President John Dramani Mahama has honored the University for Development Studies (UDS) football team for their historic win at the World University Football Games, celebrating their victory over Brazil in the final as a moment of national pride.
During a courtesy call by the team at the Jubilee House on Tuesday, the President announced a GH¢500,000 reward for the champions and revealed government plans to establish a new School Sports Authority to nurture athletic talent from the grassroots level.
“You have brought immense pride and glory to Ghana by winning the World University Football Games, beating no meaner team than Brazil.”
“This victory is not only a win for UDS. It is a statement that Ghanaian youth can compete and excel anywhere in the world when given the right opportunity and support,” President Mahama stated.
To recognize their extraordinary achievement, the President presented the team with a cash reward. “We won’t let you go empty-handed. This is 500,000 Ghana cedis… It’s a reward to the team for the good job you have done,” he said.
Looking to the future, President Mahama disclosed that the government would create a School Sports Authority with a dedicated budget. “It will hold constant competitions amongst universities and secondary schools so that we can identify talents early and bring them into the national teams,” he explained, adding that the initiative is part of his government’s ‘Reset agenda’ to promote youth employment and national unity.
He also urged the players to build on their success. “Let this victory be the foundation, not the finish line. Continue to train with humility, discipline, and ambition so that you can win many more laurels,” the President advised.
The Vice-Chancellor of UDS, Professor Seidu Al-Hassan, thanked the President for the support and revealed that the team adopted Mr. Mahama’s “24-hour” philosophy, turning it into a rigorous “24-hour training plan” that was instrumental to their victory.
