Hosts Qatar have announced the completion of Education City Stadium - the third tournament-ready venue for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™. The milestone was marked on Monday (15 June) during special programmes aired on beIN Sports and on the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy's (SC) social media platforms.
Given the current COVID-19 pandemic, Education City Stadium was launched digitally, in compliance with the protective measures in place in Qatar. The stadium's successful completion was dedicated to frontline workers who have worked tirelessly during the ongoing virus outbreak.
Nicknamed the 'Diamond in the Desert', the 40,000-capacity venue, located within Qatar Foundation's Education City, is the first FIFA World Cup stadium to achieve a five-star sustainability rating under the Global Sustainability Assessment System.

Diana Tursi, the Swiss female boxer who takes on veteran Ghanaian Yarkor Chavez has promised to give boxing enthusiasts a show of their lives in post Covid-19 at the Bukom Boxing Arena.
She said after displaying wonderful boxing, she is going to end the career of her opponent with a knock out in the third round.
According to Diana, she has prepared very well under coach Lawrence Nmai, a Ghanaian based in Switzerland.
Coach Nmai disclosed to Yours Truly that they are very excited about coming to Ghana, the best boxing nation in Africa to fight, but the will take the title at stake to Switzerland.

​The June edition of Africa's prestigious, in-depth, analytical all-sports tabloid, Africa Sports Monthly Magazine, will be released on the 16th and for free to Readers and subscribers.
It will be released across several channels for easier access and download without any charge or glitches.
The edition is dedicated to the Black Lives Matter Movement which has rocked the United States of America and other parts of the world, following the inhumane and unconscientious murder of George Floyd by an American Policeman and three other officer accomplices.
The Magazine covers interesting topics such as a keynote address from Liberia President and former CAF & FIFA Player of The Year, George Weah, on COVID-19 and its effects on sports in Africa, with plans and strategies on way forward for the continent to get on after the pandemic.

Executive Council member Nana Sarfo Oduro and Black Maidens Management Committee member Gifty Oware-Abogye have been tasked to come up with a document on Code of Conduct and Education of female players to help shape their behaviour and conduct whiles on national duty.
The decision was taken on Monday, June 15, 2020, during a meeting of the National Teams Department led by Deputy General Secretary Alex Asante, the Black Maidens Management Committee and GFA President Kurt E.S Okraku.
This is a follow-up on an earlier decision by the GFA to appoint Naa Odofoley Nortey (Esq), and Madam Habiba Attah Forson to work on a comprehensive policy on Women’s football in general.
They have two weeks to come up with a draft that will be considered and approved by the Executive Council.

Accra Hearts of Oak have secured a whooping Gh¢ 4.5 million loan from Guaranty Trust Bank (Ghana) Limited for the construction of the Pobiman Academy Project.
Works on the project begin next week according to the Majority shareholder of the club, Togbe Afede XIV.
The agreement between Hearts of Oak and GT Bank will see the Rainbow club a refurbished training facility at Pobiman, a project which has been proposed over a decade.
"GT Bank are the official bankers for the Pobiman Academy Project. We have secured a loan from them," Togbe Afedi told GTV Sports Plus on Monday.

​In its latest edition covering the month of May, 2020, pan-African sports magazine African Sports Monthly, opts for Liberia President George Weah as its Sports Personality for the month.
Like the rest of the world, Africa has been struggling to fix the chaos of the Covid-19 pandemic which has affected every vital and productive sector including sports.
However, efforts have largely concentrated on almost every other thing except sports (football), which remains the continent’s most important social bond and reconciler. 
As governments contemplate post Covid-19 recovery strategies, sports appear to be on the tail end, with few or no voices calling for a reassessment.              
Thanks to his background as a former footballer and his continuous attachment to the sport, President Weah has been the only authoritative voice to call for an unprecedented bailout of the African sports industry in these “very difficult” times. 

New dates have been announced for the Seoul General Assembly ©Getty Images
The Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC) has confirmed that Seoul will host its General Assembly on October 26 and 27 next year after this year's edition was cancelled.
It was announced last month that the key meeting, which gathers all of the world's National Olympic Committees (NOCs), could not take place in 2020 because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Originally planned for November 25 and 26 in the South Korean capital, the General Assembly is now scheduled for 11 months later.
It is due to be hosted at the COEX Convention Centre with the ANOC Awards, the traditional accompaniment of the Assembly, penciled in for October 26.
The visiting NOCs will be hosted by the Korean Sport and Olympic Committee (KSOC) in the 1988 Summer Games city.
"We are very grateful to the KSOC for their hard work and the speed with which they have been able to find new dates for next year's ANOC General Assembly," said ANOC secretary general Gunilla Lindberg.

Every member of the 2019 Springbok Rugby World Cup squad, as well as the coaches, has donated a unique prize which can be won by buying raffle tickets for only R32-12

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, June 16, 2020/ -- The million rand mark is moving ever closer for the Springboks in their #StrongerTogether for R32-12 campaign, which raises money for struggling communities as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

SA Rugby’s hunger alleviation campaign (https://bit.ly/3hwuMNZ) was launched just under a month ago and to date approximately R825,000 has been raised for charity organisations Food Forward SA and Gift of the Givers.

WATCH THE CAMPAIGN LAUNCH VIDEO HERE (https://bit.ly/3e9VSIO)

Every member of the 2019 Springbok Rugby World Cup squad, as well as the coaches, has donated a unique prize which can be won by buying raffle tickets for only R32-12, which pays homage to the Boks’ winning score in the final last November in Japan.

The Ghana Swimming Association (GSA) has announced new guidelines for operators of swimming pools across the country.
These guidelines follow the green light for the resumption of non-contact swimming activities by Minister for Youth and Sport, Mr. Isaac Asiamah as earlier announced by the President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
In a statement signed by Mr. Muniru Kassim, General Secretary of GSA, it said swimming pool operators should eliminate low ventilated spaces and rooms that do not allow for social distancing.
The statement urged operators to discourage the use of changing rooms, increase water-sanitation, adequate spacing in pools as well as adequate cleaning and disinfecting of surfaces in the training facility.

The agenda for the next FIFA Council meeting that will take place on 25 June 2020 at 15.00 CET, is now available on the Media Channel and on FIFA.com.
The FIFA Council will meet via videoconference with the FIFA management present at the Home of FIFA in Zurich. The main agenda point will be the selection of the host(s) of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™.
The Council meeting will be followed by a virtual press conference (scheduled to start at any time from 18.00 local time), which will be streamed live on FIFA.com.
The application process for media to register for the upcoming post-FIFA Council meeting press conference on 25 June 2020 is now open. The deadline for media to submit a registration is 19 June 2020.

The ITTF Foundation launched the #TableTennisUnited fundraising campaign for athletes, coaches, umpires, national associations and projects affected by the pandemic ©ITTF
The International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) Foundation has launched the #TableTennisUnited fundraising campaign for athletes, coaches, umpires, national associations and projects affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Powered by the ITTF Foundation, the donation campaign is supported by the ITTF and World Table Tennis (WTT), with both organisations donating more than $250,000 (£199,000/€222,000) to the fund.
It is set to help in a number of key areas following the suspension of sport due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Seven young members of the Sports Writers Association of Ghana have successfully graduated from the maiden edition of the AIPS e-College.
With most countries under lockdown and sporting activities hauled, AIPS decided to bring this Young Reporters Program together in virtual situation room to discuss the future that awaits sports journalism.
The three-month-long program which began from 2nd April 2020 to 2nd June 2020 saw 100 Young Reporters from over 55 countries across the world participate in this virtual discussions with lessons held twice a week on zoom.
After an intensive E-College program, the Sports Writers Association of Ghana recorded a massive success. Six out of the seven entries from Ghana scored distinction in the Masters in Sports Management Program equivalent.

Mr. Kudjoe Fianoo, the Chairman of the Ghana League Clubs Association (GHALCA) has said their inability to announce a roadmap for elections of new executives is due to the restrictions caused by COVID-19.
A statement signed by the GHALCA Chairman said that their scheduled meeting for last April was unable to hold due to the outbreak of the Coronavirus pandemic and urged members to remain calm during these difficult moments.
“We wish to apologise for any inconvenience suffered by our members for the delay and again wish to reiterate our commitment to see the programmes through as soon the restrictions are removed.

Victor Ampofo aka Van Damme has been highly tipped to win the 2020 edition of the TV3 Ghana Strongest Reality Show Competition.
Most enthusiasts of the Reality Show who were interviewed said they love his composure and discipline.
The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) graduate who won last year is tipped to defend his title also due to his massive media appeal.
He seems to have a charming charisma which makes him differently adored even by his competitors and rivals.
Van Damme has over the past seasons proved to be a magnificent athlete who is capable of representing Ghana in an international competition.

The British & Irish Boxing Authority (BIBA) Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Professor M.R. Graham MBChB; JCPTGP; PhD; FRSM; MPhysoc; BASEM; MICR; MCSFS; PCCMH; APIL Expert; FSB issued the following guidelines in order that Professional Boxers and Elite Amateur Boxers may return to Training, Sparring and Ultimately Competition.
PLEASE NOTE: That from last week (June 4th) that Professional and Elite Amateur Boxers have ben able to return to training, and from this Saturday (June 13th) Sparring may resume if the following guidelines are strictly adhered to.
PLEASE NOTE 2: These guidelines relate to ENGLAND only currently, updates will be issued only once the guidelines for WALES, IRELAND, NORTHERN IRELAND & SCOTLAND are updated by the relevant Sports Ministry.

Hard-hitting undefeated Ghanaian light heavyweight boxer, Bastie Samir, is famished for a world title, and believes the crown can land home in 2021.
Now 31, Bastie – popularly known as the ‘Beast’ says time is flying away so fast and cannot wait to accomplish his dream.
“Time is running out for me and I can’t wait any longer; Ghanaians too can’t continue to hang on,” he said.
The ruthless Beast began training individually this week ahead of a couple of engagements lined up before the end of the year.
Government on Sunday eased restrictions on individual and non-contact Olympic sporting activities, thus, lifting its ban with immediate effect. However, no team events are permitted.

TTOC has moved its Olympic Day initiatives online due to the pandemic ©TTOC
The Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee (TTOC) has moved its Olympic Day initiatives online due to the pandemic.
Olympic Day, scheduled for June 23, will now be celebrated across the remainder of the month with various virtual activities and competitions.
This will include webinars, workshops and art and craft contests.

​As the world grapples with the impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the lives of people around the world the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) having organized a Sports Challenge against COVID-19 along with Partners such as Africa Sports Ventures Group and African Sports Media Network will host an Online Forum and Panel Discussion on Thursday April 30th 2020  to discuss a host of issues having to do with youth and wellness in Africa.

It is April 23rd 2020, and the world is completely encapsulated in the throes of the COVID-19 Pandemic which has literally brought it to a complete standstill. 
Brave health workers - frontline soldiers in the battle against the Corona Virus, wage war undaunted against the unseen foe as young boys and girls remain hopeful about a future beyond COVID-19 with dreams at a chance and an opportunity to play their preferred sport at the highest level in front of millions of fans.

​Houston, Texas USA April 20th 2020:  Officials with UNESCO Africa have agreed to work with Africa Sports Media Network producers and publishers of African Sports Monthly Magazine and the Africa Sports Report Podcast in promoting their Sports Challenge against COVID-19 which has been running since April 6th 2020. 
 
UNESCO which champions the Sports for Peace and Development UN Initiative where critical community issues particularly related to youths are addressed using sports as vehicle for education and engagement decided to use this years International Day of Sports for Peace and Development on April 6th 2020 to address the Corona Virus Pandemic ravaging communities around the world.

​Ghana’s Winter Olympian Akwasi Frimpong who achieved a major feat and milestone in sporting history for Africa in Late February, early March of 2020 by becoming the first African Athlete to ever win a Skeleton Race at any level during a Race in Utah is the African Sports Monthly Athlete of the Month.

In observance of the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace (6 April), the Pan-African Youth Network for a Culture of Peace (PAYNCoP) in partnership with UNESCO and the African Peer Review Mechanism Youth Network is inviting young people from across Africa to take part in the Sports Challenge against COVID-19.
In 2013, the United Nations General Assembly declared April 6 as the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace (IDSDP). Since then, organizations and citizens across the world have organized events and activities in their respective communities to show the power of sport in fostering peace and understanding, driving social change, and promoting community development. In The 2020 celebration comes at a time when the whole world is fighting the Corona Virus (COVID 19) pandemic, which has affected millions, claiming thousands of lives and displaced communities and forced billions of peoples in confinement. In such circumstances, sport remains a powerful tool for recalling human values of respect, solidarity, healthiest responsibility, teamwork, equality, motivation and resilience, all essential in the individual or collective fight against COVID-19, and for building foundations for resilience and peace in a troubled period.

​Accra, Ghana April 20th 2020:  Officials with UNESCO Africa have agreed to bring Africa Sports Ventures Group onboard their ongoing Sports Challenge against COVID-19 to help boost the campaign and explore possibilities of current and future collaboration and partnerships with the Pan African Private Sports Company in the delivery of their sports related programs and projects.
 
UNESCO is championing the Sports for Peace and Development UN Initiative where critical community issues particularly related to youths are addressed using sports as vehicle for education and engagement. 

Winning player to select charity beneficiary to receive $100,000 donation in support of coronavirus relief efforts

NEW YORK, United States of America, April 5, 2020/ -- Brooklyn Nets’ Kevin Durant and Atlanta Hawks’ Trae Young among NBA (www.NBA.com) players competing in NBA 2K20 tournament premiering April 3 on ESPN; Winning player to select charity beneficiary to receive $100,000 donation in support of coronavirus relief efforts.
2K, the National Basketball Association (NBA), and the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) today announced the “NBA 2K Players Tournament,” an NBA 2K20 gameplay tournament between 16 current NBA players. Beginning Friday, April 3 on ESPN and ESPN2, players – including top seeds Kevin Durant of the Brooklyn Nets and Trae Young of the Atlanta Hawks – will compete in a single- elimination, player-only tournament on Xbox One. The winner will be crowned the ultimate NBA 2K20 champion and select a charity beneficiary to receive a $100,000 donation from 2K, the NBA and the NBPA in support of ongoing coronavirus relief efforts.

ACCRA, GHANA. 06 April 2020/ - The Ghana Rugby Football Union (Ghana Rugby) has issued a “Ghana Rugby 2020 Blueprint” (https://ghanarugby.org/2020/03/ghana-rugby-blueprint-2020/) for study and input by its stakeholders.

The Blueprint follows the election of a new Board on 4 February 2020 at a Special General Meeting that was overseen by the Electoral Commission of Ghana and observed by the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the National Sports Authority and Rugby Africa. 

The re-elected President and Board Chairman, Mr Herbert Mensah, immediately after the election ordered that the 2020 Ghana Rugby Stakeholder Congress (GRSC) be called to inform and consult with all stakeholders. This event was held in Accra, Ghana on 22 February 2020.

Following the GRSC a team from the Board was tasked to compile a Ghana Rugby Blueprint that should focus the Union’s activities for the following five years.