Taekwondo Federation cries for funds

President of the Ghana Taekwondo Federation (GTF), Frederick Otu Lartey has appealed for financial support towards the organisation of domestic taekwondo events.

Mr Otu made the remark at the opening ceremony of the 10th Korea Cup Taekwondo Championship today, Thursday, 6 November 2018 at the Korea Sports Complex in Tema on the theme: “Korea Ghana Cultural Exchange, Critical for Effective Cooperation”.

“The GTF, which is the body responsible for developing and promoting taekwondo in Ghana is hard pressed for funds. The sports authorities are unable to provide funds for taekwondo championships, apart from supporting the team to the quadrennial All-Africa Games. The few international events that the national taekwondo team has participated in over the last couple of years were sponsored by the World Taekwondo, Ghana Olympic Committee and the GTF. The cost of day to day running of the federation is borne by Executive Board Members of the federation,” Mr Otu said.

“We, therefore, use this opportunity to appeal to the Korean Community to come in strongly and support taekwondo. The GTF will not relent in seeking more co-operation and partnership with the Korean Community and other stakeholders,” he added.

The Korean Ambassador to Ghana, Kim Seong Soo pledged that his government is keen on supporting GTF and their activities in Ghana.

“The Government of Korea will continue to assist in the development and progress of taekwondo in Ghana. This tournament serves as a way of not just only showcasing Korean culture but, also, reinforcing the relationship between the two countries by creating new avenues for co-operation.