Ghana to Participate in 2023 UCI World Championship in Glasgow, Scotland

The Accra Sports Stadium was a hub of excitement as the media launch of Ghana’s participation in the 2023 UCI World Championship in Glasgow, Scotland, took place on Wednesday. The Chef de Mission of Ghana and General Secretary of the Ghana Cycling Federation (GCF), Mr. Shaaban Mohammed, announced that Ghana is set to participate in six out of the 19 events, including Cycloball, Paracycling, BMX Free Style, Road Race, Track Race, and Tam Trial.

Ghana’s preparations for the championship are said to be at an advanced stage, and the country is optimistic about winning medals in five of the events, which are qualifiers for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. Mr. Mohammed, who is also the chairman of the African Cycling Commission and Operations Manager at the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC), expressed that Ghana’s strength lies in Para Cycling, especially the Tandem.

The UCI World Championship will attract about 8,000 cyclists from 177 countries, and the non-stop competitive action will run for 11 days, starting from August 3rd to 13th. It is the first time such a program is coming up, and Ghana, which joined the UCI in 2007, is excited about the participation and media coverage.

The Secretary-General called on the media to promote the championship, which will not only test Ghana’s cyclists but also help them prepare for the 13th African Games to be hosted in Ghana. He urged Ghanaians to support the team and said that the experience gained in Glasgow should inspire them to win medals at the African Games.

In a bid to promote Ghana’s rich culture, Mr. Shaban hinted that the country is hoping to send some traditional leaders to Glasgow to showcase the nation’s cultural heritage. He appreciated the Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) for recognizing Cycling as one of the top five sports disciplines at the last Awards Ceremony.

Mr. Abraham Sarberg Antwi, CEO of ASA Plus Destinations, a travel and tour company sponsoring the GCF, expressed his commitment to promoting lesser-known sports and supporting the federation, cyclists, and media to make Glasgow 2023 a memorable event. He thanked Ghana Gas and NLA for supporting their previous events and prayed that they would also assist Team Ghana at the World Cycling Championship.

For the most part, Ghana’s participation in the UCI World Championship is a step towards promoting cycling and sporting activities in the country. It is an opportunity for Ghana to showcase its talents, culture, and heritage to the world. The championship provides a platform for Ghanaian cyclists to gain experience and prepare for other competitions, including the African Games. With the support of the media, corporate bodies, and the government, Ghana can make a remarkable impression in Glasgow.