Kwasi Appiah launches foundation to support ex-sportsmen

Black Stars head coach, James Kwasi Appiah, has promised to contribute $5,000 seed money for the Kwasi Appiah Foundation set up to support retired footballers and athletes.

Apart from that he has hinted of a monthly deduction of between $3,000 and $5,000 from his salary into the fund to ensure lives of many athletes and ex-footballers were changed.

Speaking at the inauguration of the foundation yesterday at the Accra City Hotel, the Stars coach said his objective was to support not only retired footballers but also national athletes.

“The foundation begins a journey that I hope will change many lives,” he stated.

The Foundation has a five-member Board of Trustees, with Nana Samuel Brew-Butler as the chairman. Messrs Appiah, Amarkai Amartefio, Air Vice Marshal Issifu Kadri and Emmanuel Adu Sarkodie constitute the other members.

The Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports, Pius Enam Hadzide, said the foundation was in line with the government’s vision to support retired athletes through the establishment of a national sports fund to help destitute ex-sportsmen and women.

He said most athletes suffered neglect after their careers with very deplorable living conditions which “forms the basis of depression” and, therefore, need the support of all.

While commending the initiative by the coach, the deputy minister noted that the Stars trainer could not handle it alone. He called on individuals and corporate bodies to ensure the dream of the coach became a reality.

On behalf of the Board of Trustees, Nana Brew-Butler noted with disappointment how the nation had engaged expatriate coaches and paid them huge salaries but none gave anything back to the country.

He praised Appiah for giving back to society and called for support from all Ghanaians.