The Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) chalked a series of firsts on August 2nd 2003 when the Association organised its 28th Annual Awards Night in Accra.

SWAG for the very first time in its history had the sitting President of the Republic, His Excellency John Agyekum Kuffour in attendance as the Distinguished Guest of Honour. Again, the ultimate prize, the Sports Personality of the Year, was for the first time in the history of the Association, won by a female sports personality. But perhaps, for the game of hockey, the greatest honour done the sport was the award of the Best Female Hockey Player, yet another first in the rich history of Association. The award was won by National and Ghana Prisons Hockey star Abena Amponsah Asuming Addo.

The SWAG’s recognition of the development of women’s hockey in Ghana and hence the award, is a huge motivation for the growing population of young girls who are eager to take the game of hockey as both a recreational and competitive sport.

The Award to a large extent also serves as a subtle confirmation of the current 3rd position rating of Ghana’s women hockey on the African continent. The Award will also serve as a morale booster for the members of the National women’s team ahead of the 8th All African Games to be held in Abuja as it brings into sharp focus the fact that the game of hockey is one that rewards excellence.

The Hockey Player of the Year in the Men’s category was won by silky sleek National and Marine Sticks of the Ghana Navy midfielder Patrick Taylor, who enjoyed a wonderful season in 2002. Taylor is currently preparing with the national team toward the 8th All African Games in Abuja and the 2nd Afro-Asian Games to be held in India during the latter part of the year.

The GHA congratulates the two Award winners and urge both men and women players to strive for excellence with the assurance that their efforts will be rewarded.