THE Ghana Amateur Athletic Association (GAAA) has put in place a long-term programme to prepare the country's young athletes for the next Olympic games in 2004.

As a result, 20 junior athletes have been selected from all over the country on merit to be given some basic training in the form of a clinic, which will take place at the Winneba Sports College from January 9 to 18.

According to a memorandum issued by the GAAA and signed by the Chief Coach, S. S. Atuahene, the International Amateur Athletics Federation (IAAF) and the National Sports College are sponsoring the clinic.

The first batch of athletes who have been selected as pioneers of the clinic include Ernest Osei, Samuel Adade, Ben Agyei Boakye and Francis Owusu-Akoto of Ashanti Region.

They will specialise in the 100m and 200m race. Harry Adu-Mfum and Mutalla Mohammed of Central and Gt. Accra regions respectively will also join the 100m train to complete the men's list. Others are Tony Essumang-Ashanti (long and triple jumps) Ben Bennet - Central (400m) and Koku Atsu - Volta (400m).

The female list comprises Georgina Sowah - Gt. Accra (long jump), Mariama Salifu - Northern (100m and 200m), Nartey Cornelia - Volta (100m), Adjoa Dansoaa - Central (800m), Salamatu Alhassan - Ashanti (400m), Vida Anim - Ashanti (100m and 200m), Galley Antoinette - Volta (long jump), Patience Fosuaah - Brong Ahafo (100m).

Others are Rebecca Baah - Western (100m), Gifty Ady - Gt Accra (100m and 400m) and Rosina Amenugbede - Ashanti (long and triple jumps). In an interview with the Chief Coach to ascertain the duration of the programme, he noted that it will remain a long-term one and the athletes will be invited at regular intervals to review their performances.

He, however, cautioned the selected athletes not to consider the opportunity as the ultimate since they could be replaced at any time for non-performance.

"Those who become complacent and do not work hard will be sacked", he added. Mr Atuahene intimated that the idea can only become effective if it becomes highly competitive with the necessary amount of discipline injected into it.