UG Athletics Trainer Selected to Coach Team Ghana at World Athletics Championship
University of Ghana’s sprint coach Elorm Amenakpor has been called by the Ghana Athletics Association (GAA) to coach Ghana’ s Team at the World Athletics Championship in Eugene, Oregon in the United States of America (USA) from 15th to 24th July, 2022.
Mr. Amenakpor who is currently pursuing postgraduate studies in MSc. Sports and Exercise Science at West Texas A&M University, USA, will be joined by two other coaches namely Professor Christian Nsiah and Professor Andrews Owusu at the Championship.
Coach Elorm with Azamati in training
Mr. Amenakpor who first supervised the Ghana Athletics Team in 2019 during the West Africa Zone B Athletics Championship in Niamey, Niger said it was a privilege to be called to serve Ghana. He added, that has been his dream growing up as an athlete.
“I am elated to be at the World Championship as a coach. For me, it is a childhood dream which is being fulfilled. I am grateful to the Ghana Athletics Association for giving me the opportunity to serve my country. It was my desire to compete at the Olympics and World Championships, unfortunately, that did not materialize. However, with my experience and education in coaching, I can help the young athletes to develop and compete at the world stage and win laurels as well. Some of these athletes have already been to three world championships. This will be the impetus for us as coaches to give off our best to complement their efforts when they take to the track and field at Oregon. I am also looking forward to working with Professor Owusu and Professor Nsiah as fellow coaches at the Championship.”
Coach Elorm with Aryee, Seaneke and Azamati in Texas
Mr. Amenakpor while in West Texas A&M University has taken to coaching aside his studies. This path has reunited him with fellow alumni of University of Ghana Benjamin Kwaku Azamati, Abraham Seaneke and Desmond Aryee who are pursuing academic programmes.
Ghana’s Team boasts of UG alumnus Benjamin Azamati, Joseph Paul Amoah, Joseph Manu, Sean Sarfo Antwi, Emmanuel Yeboah, Deborah Acquah and Alex Amankwah.
The Senior Assistant Registrar at the Sports Directorate, Mr. Augustine Amissare congratulated Mr. Amenakpor and added that he was deserving of the call up. He stated that the University of Ghana feels proud when staff and students of the University are called to serve the country. He stated that Elorm would be a good resource for Team Ghana at the World Championships.