GTF launches awareness campaign to take sport to schools

The Ghana Taekwondo Federation (GTF) has officially kicked off an awareness campaign in five regions, aiming to introduce Taekwondo to more school children. The event was held in Kumasi, Ghana, over the weekend and drew over 500 pupils from 10 private schools. The campaign's theme emphasizes promoting Taekwondo awareness, discipline, fitness, and youth development.

Organized by the GTF, the initiative targets the Ashanti, Northern, Upper West, Bono, and Central regions. Its main objectives include increasing participation in Taekwondo, identifying young talent, and highlighting the sport's broader benefits such as discipline, physical fitness, self-defence, and confidence.

GTF President Frederick Lartey Otu emphasized that Taekwondo's future in Ghana lies not only in producing champions but also in fostering disciplined, responsible, and confident young individuals. The program aims to expand Taekwondo's reach to more schools and communities, creating opportunities for talented young athletes to advance from school and community programs to regional and national competitions.

Success of the campaign relies on collaboration among schools, parents, teachers, coaches, sports authorities, and Taekwondo associations.

Obenfo Nana Kwasi Gyetuah, Executive Director of the Ghana National Council of Private Schools, urged a shift in how sports are viewed within the education system, arguing that sports should be considered an integral part of children's development rather than an afterthought. He highlighted the importance of sports in teaching essential life skills such as discipline, focus, respect, resilience, teamwork, and leadership.

Gyetuah specifically praised Taekwondo for its ability to promote both physical development and character building through discipline, focus, and self-control.

Nana Gyaama Dakwa, the Ashanti Regional Director of the National Sports Authority (NSA), pledged her organization's support for the campaign and encouraged additional schools to participate. She pointed out that Taekwondo could enhance children's physical fitness and mental alertness while also equipping them with valuable self-defence skills.

The launch included demonstrations by schoolchildren and Taekwondo practitioners, showcasing Poomsae and self-defence techniques. The GTF National Executive Board presented uniforms and equipment to the Ashanti Regional Taekwondo Association to bolster training and development in the region.

Attendees at the launch included school proprietors, teachers, parents, coaches, Taekwondo officials, the Ashanti Regional Director of GNACOPS, Edward Akanzu Ise, and other key stakeholders.