Track & Field News of Thursday, 7 October 2004

Source: GNA

Ahey to be inducted into Hall of Fame

Accra, Oct. 7, GNA - The cry of Mike Ahey, one of Ghana's finest track and field athletes whose name was conspicuously axed from the list of 15 sports men and women who were inducted into the National Hall of Fame last week has finally touched the hearts of the organizers.

Ahey, arguably the best male sprinter the nation has ever produced and whose 1962 long jump national record of 8.19 metres was smashed last year by new sensation, Ignatius Giasah at the Abuja Olympic Games has been selected along side two other athletes to form the second batch of inductees to be inducted into the National Hall of Fame on Wednesday, October 13, at the Accra Sports Stadium.

The tall and lanky Ahey, a three time Olympian who competed in the 1964 Tokyo Games, 1968 Mexico Games and the 1972 Munich Games told the offers to compete for other countries.

He will be inducted alongside Edward Acquah and David Kotei alias D.K. Poison.

Acquah who was a former player of the senior national team, the Black Stars in the 60's is on record as being a member of the historic side that defeated the Green Eagles of Nigeria 7-0 in an international match. He scored three goals in the match.

It was during his time at Sekondi Eleven Wise, when the "Western Show Boys" as they are affectionately called became one of the powerhouses of Ghana Soccer.

Kotei on the other hand was the first Ghanaian boxer to win a featherweight World Title in the 70's.

A statement from Mr Hamah Hamid Issaka, Public Relations Officer of the National Sports Council (NSC) said the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports will perform the ceremony and called on representatives of past heroes such as Baba Yara, Salisu Mohamed and Gabriel Sowah Laryea to report for the programme.

Mr Hamid Issaka also called on members of the 1963, 65, 78 and 82 teams of the Black Stars to attend the ceremony to receive their certificates.