Mr. Theo Ykema, FIH Member of Honour and Coordinator of the FIH Coaching Assistance Programme, is currently in the country on a 5-day visit. His visit will coincide with the Ghana/Nigeria Test Series which forms part of the preparations of the two countries towards the African Olympic Qualifier scheduled for Nairobi, Kenya in July 2007.

The visit of Mr. Ykema brings into focus the importance the FIH attaches to the development of the sport in Ghana and its support to the preparations of countries with the potential to qualify for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.

During his stay, Mr. Ykema will meet with the Chief Executive of the National Sports Council and the Hon. Deputy Minister in charge of Sports to discuss the FIH’s support plans for hockey development in Ghana, especially in relation to infrastructural development, equipment support and participation in international competitions. He will also meet members of the Ghana Hockey Association to discuss developmental issues and the Veterans Hockey Club to fraternize with the hockey family.

He will hold a working session with the two FIH accredited coaches currently assisting Ghana and Nigeria in their preparations towards the Nairobi qualifier to evaluate the programme so far.