Accra, April 24 GNA - Ghana's exploits in weightlifting is gaining so much international recognition with the local Association receiving series of invitations to participate in international events. First on the list is an invitation from the China Weightlifting Federation (CWA) for the Ghanaians to participate in the next edition of the World Youth Weightlifting Championship scheduled for China, from May 25-June 3rd, this year.

Also on the list is an invitation from Samoa inviting the Ghanaians for the Commonwealth, Pacific and Oceania Weightlifting Championship scheduled for July.

Mr Cliff Johnson Aboagye, Chairman of the Ghana Weightlifting Association (GWA) who disclosed this to the GNA Sports said his outfit is carefully considering the invitations and intends sending accredited lifters to participate in the events should they secure the needed sponsorship.

The invitations are as a result of the remarkable success chalked by the nation in recent weightlifting events. Also at the secretariat of the Association is a formal invitation from the Africa Weightlifting Federation (AWF) inviting the lifters to participate in the Africa Weightlifting Championship in Rabat, Morocco in September this year.

Another invitation comes from the Dominican Republique Weightlifting Federation for Ghana to participate in the World Championship, in November this year.

Mr Aboagye said the invitations give credence to the fact that the nation is witnessing steady progress in the sport. The Chairman indicated that the participation of the nation at the major events will depend on their ability to secure sponsorship especially for the China and the Samoa events. He said without sponsorship, there is no way they can raise the needed funds for the two events.

Mr Aboagye however stated that Ghana will be part of the Africa Weightlifting Championship in Rabat, Morocco in September. "I believe we can make much impact in the Africa Championship, which is more prestigious than the other events and has much at stake". "The Africa Championship is capable of enhancing our image and increase our recognition than the rest of the championship and that is why we are giving it the needed priority", he added. Mr Aboagye said that the Association would use the Africa event as a launch pad for the 2007 All Africa Games where they are aiming to improve upon their records build-up. Ghana at the last All Africa Games won three medals and crowned it with a gold medal at the just ended Commonwealth Games in Melbourne, Australia.

Mr Aboagye therefore appealed to corporate bodies to come to the aid of the Association with the needed equipment necessary for training as well as to unearth more talents. He said the Association intends embarking on talent hunts in all the ten regions of the country adding that a minimum of four barbells is required for each region to ensure that they organise a successful programme.

The Chairman said even though weightlifting is an expensive sport, the nation is blessed with so much natural talents that it needs just a little push for them to deliver.

Mr Aboagye said corporate bodies will not regret in making an investments in the sport because they will reward their efforts with more medals at the end of every international event.