GHANA: Footballer Michael Essien tours projects in Ghana sponsored by his new Essien Foundation

Record ID: 376546

  • Title: GHANA: Footballer Michael Essien tours projects in Ghana sponsored by his new Essien Foundation
  • Date: 16th November 2009
  • Summary: ACCRA, GHANA (NOVEMBER 14, 2009) (REUTERS) ESSIEN WALKING INTO STATE HOUSE BANQUET HALL WITH OTHER OFFICIALS PHOTOGRAPHERS TAKING PICTURES ESSIEN SHAKING HANDS WITH PEOPLE IN CONFERENCE ROOM GHANA'S NATIONAL TEAM, BLACK STAR'S COACH, MILOVAN RAJEVA SEATED CONFERENCE ROOM ESSIEN SEATED FORMER WORLD FOOTBALLER OF THE YEAR GEORGE WEAH, SEATED
  • Embargoed: 1st December 2009 12:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Ghana
  • Country: Ghana
  • Topics: Sports
  • Reuters ID: LVABVNS0FBNXJ7SYRE8GJS5PJZG9
  • Story Text: Essien Foundation launched to help young footballers and communities in the soccer star's home town in Ghana.
    Ghana and Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien received a tumultuous welcome when he visited his home town, Awutu Breku in the Central Region of Ghana.
    The visit was ahead of the launch of his foundation which aims to provide basic amenities and improve the living conditions of the community where he grew up.
    On Saturday (November 14), the Michael Essien Foundation was launched in Ghana's State House in Accra, attended by a number of football stars.
    The charity aims to provide access to healthcare and portable water in Awutu Breku, build libraries and public toilets.
    Essien says that the foundation is a way for him to give back to his community.
    "I have a great memory of Awutu Bereku (referring to his hometown), but it such a shame I don't get the chance to visit any time I want to, but I am still prepared to do the little I can to impact the lives of people in other parts of Ghana. I want my story to be of hope and inspiration to the children in Ghana and all over Africa," said Essien.
    The foundation will also offer training to young soccer players hoping to follow in the Essien's footsteps.
    Liberia's soccer hero and former World Footballer of the Year winner, George Weah lent his support to the charity saying the foundation would be a stepping stone for young soccer players to realise their dreams.
    "The story of many today's African soccer star is very similar to mine. Many of us were rejected as street characters and deprived of the opportunity to advance our talents. The urge to continue in the game, despite all the frustration, was sustained only by hope," said Weah.
    Essien's mother was honoured at the ceremony when it was announced the foundation intends to help farmers raise their productivity, create a Sports Day, a recreational centre for the local community and organise training for women in accounting and occupational skills.
    The launch was also used as a fund-raising event. Essien's autographed football shirt which he wore during the finals of the Community Shield match between Chelsea and Manchester United was auctioned off, along with the gloves of Chelsea goalkeeper Petre Cech which were used in a Champions League qualifier between Chelsea and Athletico Madrid, and Frank Lampard's jersey of a World Cup qualifier between England and Belarus. Autographed boots belonging to Didier Drogba's and John Terry also went under the hammer.
    "For us to know that success makes more meaning when you give and when you succeed, it inspires others and for it to be able to be truly inspirational you have to allow others to benefit from your success and that is what Michael Essien is doing," said Ghana's Sports Minister, Rashid Pelpou.
    The sale of the items fetched a total of about 92,600 US dollars.
    "With the introduction of this Essien Foundation, a lot of people who are not able perhaps to achieve anything higher, will now bring them up to certain level in life, it will really help us," said Essien's uncle, Kojo Parpie.
    Essien's foundation is currently operating with a five year plan, but the player has pledged to sustain the charity's projects even after the fifth year and called on the all stakeholders to support him in the execution of the organisation's plans.
  • Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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