‘Service first, before money’
Ghana boxing legend, Azumah Nelson, has charged young sportsmen and sportswomen in the country to focus on serving the nation with dedication in their chosen sporting careers rather than seeking money and fame which have the tendency to ruin their vocations.
According to him, it is only out of genuine service to one’s country that a sports star earns glory, as well as wealth, beyond expectation.
Prof. Azumah Nelson, who carried the torch used to light the perpetual flame (by President Nana Addo) Dankwa Akufo-Addo to mark Ghana's 60th Independence Day celebrations at the Black Stars Square last Monday, felt elated for playing that role on such a historic day.
Touching on why he was selected for the all-important occasion, the former WBC super-featherweight champion told the Graphic Sports in an exclusive interview yesterday that it was a recognition for hard work and selfless service.
“Go and read Ecclesiastics 3:1. It says there is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the sun so in whatever you do just wait for your time of glory and honour”.
“My advice for all sports personalities, not only boxers, is that they should serve the country with all their heart because it will bring them honour, maybe not today but later. They should look for God first in the work that they are doing because He alone gives wisdom, strength and honour,” the ‘Zoom Zoom’ man said.
The ‘boxing professor’ expressed worry that after 60 years of independence Ghana had still not found her bearing in the world of sports but was hopeful that all the mistakes learnt in the past would be corrected to restore the fortunes of the nation.
“We have not done well in all the sports, not only boxing. We don’t win medals again, talk of athletics, basketball, volleyball, football and the rest. But I believe there is time for everything so we will work on our mistakes as we celebrate our 60th independence,” he stressed.
The 58-year-old Azumah also expressed appreciation to President Nana Akufo-Addo and all Ghanaians for the honour done him last Monday.
“I thank the President and Ghanaians for this great favour. There are a lot of great people in this country but they selected me. It is a great honour for me,” he concluded.
The torch, which Azumah handed over to the Greater Accra Regional Minister at the Accra Sports Stadium last Monday, is expected to be on a relay throughout the 10 regions of Ghana and return to its starting point on March 6, 2018.