Nana Kwabena Bobie-Ansah, host of Asempa fm’s Ekosii Sen programme was over the weekend honoured by the Ghana Weightlifters Association for his immense support and encouragement to the association over the years.
Presenting a plaque to Bobie-Ansah at this year’s ‘Power Gladiators 2012’ competition held at the Accra Sports Stadium, Mr. David Boateng, the Organizer for the Association who couldn’t hide his appreciation to the ace journalist recounted how he (Bobie) kept encouraging them to make good use of their muscles.
He added that even though Bobie was neither a weightlifter nor a sports journalist, but his interest in their sport sometimes amazed them.
“He kept pressuring us to form this association in order to get the needed recognition in the country and encourage our friends who use their muscles for land-guard activities to join so we can compete locally and internationally”; David further noted.
David Boateng also called on Ghanaians to accord weightlifters the same respect and recognition they give to other sportsmen, adding “we are just like the footballers and athletes you see around”.
In his brief statement, Nana Bobie-Ansah commended the weightlifters for the progress they have made in forming the Association and urged others who have not joined to also come on board.
He further urged individuals and corporate organizations to also help support the weightlifters, especially, as they prepare for the International Powerlifting Competition to be held in Sweden in June this year.
This year’s Power Gladiators Competition saw over 285 weightlifters from seven region excluding the three northern regions during the justifiers. However, only 120 qualified for the main event in Accra whiles the best 24 will make in to Sweden in June.