The Minister for Sports and Recreation, Mr Kofi Adams, has commended the Ghana Rugby U12 team, known as the Eaglets, for emerging victorious at the prestigious Tournoi International Marie Kore Rugby Tournament held in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
The young athletes brought home the trophy after competing against national teams from the Ivory Coast, Mali, Burkina Faso, Guinea, and Togo.
Mr Adams urged them to continue working hard, stay focused, and serve as ambassadors of Ghanaian sports.
He stated this when the President of the team, Madam Rafatu Inusah, accompanied by the U12 Rugby team, paid a courtesy visit to the Minister on Thursday in Accra, to present the trophy to him.
“We have the talent; what we need now are the amenities and infrastructure to nurture and develop rugby further. It’s also crucial to integrate rugby into our school sports programs to cultivate future stars,” he added.
The Minister acknowledged that funding remains a challenge for many sports disciplines but assured that the government has established platforms to mobilise resources to support young athletes and sports development.
He advised the U12 team members to prioritise their education, listen to their coaches, teachers, and parents, and remain disciplined both on and off the field.
He noted that the tournament, which aimed to promote rugby among youth and provide a platform for showcasing young talent, featured teams from several West African countries, adding that the victory of the Ghana Rugby Eaglets was not just about lifting the trophy; it symbolised unity, perseverance, and national pride.
“This achievement marks a significant milestone for Ghana’s budding rugby scene and highlights the potential of its youth to excel on regional and international stages. The young players’ success serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes across the country, reinforcing the importance of sports in fostering discipline, teamwork, and national unity,” he emphasised.
The President of the Ghana Rugby U12 team, Madam Rafatu Inusah, took the opportunity to share the challenges of the team and how they succeed.
The young captain expressed pride in their achievement and emphasised the importance of resilience and teamwork.
Grace Acheampong, ISD
