In a dynamic blend of advocacy and action, the Sakumono Skating Club lit the torch for recreational transformation in Ghana during their 2024 Advocacy Webinar, part of the 5th Sakumono Skating Games. Against a backdrop of inspiring stories and thought-provoking discussions, the event showcased the untapped potential of sports and recreation as agents of societal change.
Recreation: A Right, Not a Privilege
Assistant Professor Josephine Godwyll delivered a keynote that redefined recreation as a fundamental right. “Everyone deserves an opportunity to rejuvenate and harness their potential,” she stated, challenging deep-seated misperceptions that recreation is a luxury reserved for the privileged. Godwyll highlighted Ghana’s rich cultural heritage of storytelling, traditional games, and physical activities, emphasizing that play has always been central to the Ghanaian way of life.
Her insights painted a vivid picture of recreation’s multifaceted benefits, from health and community unity to untapped economic opportunities. “We’ve lost 50% of our green spaces to urban development since 1986,” she lamented, urging a national commitment to preserve and prioritize recreational areas.
The Snow Leopard’s Olympic Odyssey
Adding a touch of global allure, Kwame Nkrumah Achaeampong, “The Snow Leopard” shared his journey to becoming Ghana’s first Winter Olympian. His tale of grit and defiance against odds—learning to ski as an adult and representing Ghana on the icy slopes of Vancouver—resonated deeply. “They said an African couldn’t ski; I proved them wrong,” he recounted, embodying the spirit of resilience.
Kwame’s current endeavor, Winter Wonderland, aims to bring ice sports like curling and ice hockey to Ghana, starting with a synthetic ice rink. “We’re not just building a rink; we’re creating opportunities for Ghanaian youth to dream beyond football,” he explained.
Reviving Sports in Education
The discussion expanded to address the erosion of sports in Ghanaian schools. Reginald G. Quartey, Vice President of Ghana Skate, spotlighted the need for curriculum reform to reintegrate sports into education. Both speakers underscored the importance of parental awareness and private investment to sustain youth engagement in sports.
“Sports isn’t just an extracurricular activity—it’s a pathway to health, scholarships, and even national pride,” said Godwyll, advocating for a cultural shift to normalize physical education alongside academics.
A Vision for the Future
The webinar ended with a call to action: a united push for recreational infrastructure, from neighborhood parks to dedicated skating arenas. Plans are already underway for a skating arena at Sakumono, with hopes of establishing Ghana as a hub for innovative recreational sports.
As the Skating Games gear up at Sakumono Arena, with 500 skaters and an audience of 2,000 expected, this initiative is more than just a sports event—it’s a movement. A movement that reclaims Ghana’s heritage of play, celebrates its resilience, and envisions a future where recreation is a cornerstone of national development.
Great venture
Great venture.