The Acting Upper East Regional Director of the National Sports Authority (NSA), Abdul Rahman Danladi, has called for stronger coordination among institutions involved in sports development in the region. He stated that the lack of collaboration is affecting efforts to identify and develop talent. According to Mr. Danladi, sporting associations, schools, and the National Sports Authority often operate without adequately coordinating their activities, despite working towards similar objectives.
Mr. Danladi cited the preparation of Upper East athletes for recent inter-regional competitions as an example of the coordination problem. He said his office was not involved early enough in the preparations, even though the Authority had equipment that could have supported the athletes. The NSA had tracksuits and other sporting items available but could not provide them because the Authority was not contacted during preparations.
The Acting NSA Director identified inadequate sporting infrastructure and equipment as significant challenges confronting the region. He stated that the region has people with the technical expertise to train athletes but lacks the necessary facilities and equipment to achieve desired results. Mr. Danladi emphasized that collaboration with schools is crucial in developing young athletes and creating a pathway for nurturing talent from the basic school level through senior high school and beyond.
Mr. Danladi recalled that previous attempts to work with schools to establish youth volleyball leagues encountered difficulties. However, some schools around the Marble Park area eventually allowed pupils to participate. He stressed that closer collaboration among schools, sporting associations, the NSA, and other stakeholders would make it easier to identify talented children early and provide the necessary support to develop their abilities.
The Upper East Region previously had a strong presence in various disciplines, including volleyball, football, handball, and long-distance athletics. However, its national sporting profile has declined over the years. Mr. Danladi attributed this decline to the lack of coordination and inadequate resources. He expressed optimism that with stronger collaboration and support, the region could regain its former glory in sports.
According to Mr. Danladi, being good at sports does not mean one is academically weak. He emphasized the importance of promoting sports development in schools and ensuring that students who excel in sports receive the necessary support to pursue their academic and athletic goals. The Acting NSA Director made these remarks during an interview with A1 Radio.
The Upper East Regional GJA Awards are scheduled to take place soon, and Alaffia has announced its support for the event. Additionally, the Upper East Minister has announced an 'Accounting to the People' tour from October 5 to 13. These events highlight the region's efforts to promote development and accountability in various sectors, including sports.
Key points
- The Upper East Region's sports development is hindered by poor coordination among institutions and inadequate sporting infrastructure and equipment.
- The region has the technical expertise to train athletes but lacks the necessary facilities and resources to achieve desired results.
- Stronger collaboration among schools, sporting associations, and the NSA is crucial for identifying and developing young athletes.
