Accra, Nov 27, GNA - The Japanese Government has shipped a set of modern gym equipment worth 400,000 dollars to Ghana towards the setting up of a modern gym for the development of sports.

The equipment, which is expected to arrive at the Tema Habour by December 29, is under a Japanese cultural grant to Ghana. Mr Jake Obetsebi-Lamptey, the Minister of Tourism and Modernisation of the Capital City, announced these at the maiden National Sports Awards Night held at the Alisa Hotel in Accra.

It was to honour notable sports personalities as well as other personalities whose sacrifices and contributions had promoted sports in the country.

Mr Obetsebi-Lamptey said the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports had proposed the establishment of a National Sports Trust Fund in the new sports draft Bill towards the establishment of a meaningful and sustainable scheme for great sports men and women.

He said such a package would be nurtured into a viable welfare plan for distinguished sports personalities.

Mr Obetsebi-Lamptey said the Ministry was also initiating measures to institute free medical care programme for sports heroes and heroines to be implemented by all Government Hospitals in the country. He said this would encourage the present generation, particularly sports personalities to "die a little for the nation".