Tamale, March 19, GNA - RICS Charities, a subsidiary of RICS Consult Group has presented quantities of training kits and trophies to sports personalities and a number of Non-G0vermental Organisations for their contributions towards the development of sports and athletics in the Northern Region. The beneficiaries included sports men and women from Second Circle Institutions for distinguishing themselves in athletics, volleyball, table tennis, handball, netball and cross country and each were presented with bags, books and cash as motivation. The NGOs are the Youth Alive, Youth Action on Reproductive Order (YARO) and Tiyumba. Two orphanages, Nyohini and Anfaani Children's Homes were also given footballs for recreational purposes. The Gulkpe-naa, Regent of Tamale was also given a peace trophy and ten footballs to be competed for in some organized activities as means of ensuring peace in Dagbon.

The management of Real Tamale United Football Club also received a set of jerseys and ten footballs to help in the upkeep of the club. Mr Magnus Rex Danquah, Executive Chairman of RICS Consult Group, a Public Relations, Marketing/Sports Management consultancy firm who made the presentation to the beneficiaries in Tamale expressed RICS continued support to sports development in the country, especially for second circle sports. He advised the beneficiary students to dream bigger in becoming the best in every area of their specialization to ensure that the country achieves success in the sub region particularly in the areas of soccer and boxing. He said there were lots of talents in the three Northern Regions and noted that the best way to unearth such talents was through Inter-Schools games and competitions so that "We can catch them young." Mr Rex Danquah said some trophies had also been donated for the schools competed for in areas of Best Behaved School, Overall Best School and Best Overall performer from this year up to 2012 in the region.

Mr Sumani S. Nayina, Northern Regional Minister said the North was the "Bread basket" of sports men and women who in the past carried the nation to achieve success but due to enticements of sports one now need a 'Godfather' to included in national games, a situation he said was drawing back the country's sports development and denying talents to go waste. He said the harsh conditions under which sportsmen from the North were brought up often hardens them and makes them withstand any harsh condition, adding that, "If the country wants to gain its past glory in sports then Northern Sportsmen should not be looking for Godfathers before they are made to participate in the national games." Mr Nayina commended RICS Charities for their kind gesture and assured them of the Regional Coordinating Council's cooperation and assistance to develop sports in the Region. 19 March 09