Accra, May 20, GNA - The Ghanaian kickboxing fraternity is gearing up to accord Enoch Effah, the World SAVATE and D.A. Heavyweight Champion a rousing welcoming home when he touches down at the Kotoka International Airport on Monday, June 2.

Effah, who fights under the French flag, will arrive from France, for a 10 day visit to Ghana to popularize and promote kickboxing. Dr Chris Kpodar, Counselor and Adviser to the Ghana National Kickboxing Federation (GNKF) who is coordinating the home coming programme of the Franco-Ghanaian world champion said while in Ghana, Effah would meet top government officials and distinguished royalties in Kumasi to solicit support for the sport.

He said many French Companies in the country were being drawn into the programme to lend their support and ultimately, sponsor kickboxing in one way or the other.

The Counselor said the national association had begun the process of affiliating itself with the World Association of Kickboxing Organisations (WAKO) and SAVATE and D.A., the two major governing bodies of the sport in the world. He said Effah's visit should be an impetus to lift kickboxing from an insignificant national sport to a broader spectrum, where it would attract many more participants and entice support from corporate organizations and make it an honours winning event for Ghana at international competitions.

Dr Kpodar said the French Embassy had also been contacted to be part of the home coming treat of their world champion, who has already made the French team for the Beijing Olympics.

He said Effah would also visit many boxing gyms to acquaint himself with the structures available and assess their needs in relation to kickboxing and proffer solutions to them. He would also conduct clinics for some kickboxers and their trainers in assault and combat methods and facilitate the construction of gyms in all regions of the country. Also on the itinerary is the announcement of plans and modalities for the organization of an International Kickboxing Gala Competition in Ghana.

Effah was the first French athlete to carry the Olympic Torch when it passed through France on its global tour. 20 May 08