by Olalekan Okusan, ITTF-Africa Press Officer

Each sports association was requested to present the Ghana Olympic Scholarship Committee with five names, from which selection would be made.

“I intend to embark on a number of training tours to up my game. I think with this great opportunity, the best one can do as an elite sportsman is to go and train in countries where table tennis is highly developed, and has good players. My target for 2018 Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast is to improve on my current Commonwealth ranking and my World ranking at large, one of my main targets is to secure a medal for my country since I wasn’t able to do that in the previous Commonwealth Games held in Glasgow, Scotland.

The scholarship means a lot to me as a table tennis player. This has been the biggest scholarship I have received as far as my table tennis career is concerned. The need to secure professional equipment, going on training tours have all been one of my challenges as a player. In Africa, getting financial support and sponsorship from individuals and corporate organizations is not easy when it comes to sports.” Derek Abrefa

Administering matters is Richard Akpokavie, General Secretary of Ghana Olympic Committee.

“The money awarded is for the benefit of the athlete to assist in qualifying and or preparing for the Commonwealth Games.” Richard Akpokavie

In addition to Derek Abrefa, the recipients are Emmanuel Dasor (athletics), Atsu Nyamadi (athletics), Mohammed Azumah (boxing), Grace Atipaka (badminton), Richmond Osarfo (weightlifting), Felix Acheampong (para sports)