The quest by Ghanaian judo to hit the spotlight on the international stage has received a massive boost following the desire by three British born siblings, young judokas of Ghanaian descent to come down and compete in the name of Ghana.
14-year-old Frema Afrakoma Agyei, 12-year-old Kwadwo Oduro Agyei and Afia Otenewaa Agyei, 8, all boast vast experience in judo despite their tender ages and are keen to achieve with the country of their parents, following a chance meeting with Ghana based Gh Bosslink Sports CEO, Collins-Bio Donkor who is currently in the UK on business.
Mr. Collins-Bio Donkor (2nd left) in group photograph with Ray Stevens (left), Frema Agyei and their coach, Dr Edward Semple
Mr. Donkor who has also paid working visits to some top boxing and combat sports gyms in the UK in an effort to strike partnerships in the interest of developing Ghanaian sports, was impressed by the abilities of the three siblings who upon also knowing he was from Ghana, immediately became acquainted.
“This is just what Gh Bosslink Sports is all about, we provide the platform to tap sports talents both in Ghana and abroad, establish relationships and networks for the benefit of our country,” Collins-Bio Donkor told Sportsinghana.com.
Collins-Bio Donkor (middle) at one of the gyms he visited in the UK, Manchester University Judo Club
“I was so excited when I met these kids and got to know they were Ghanaians, I immediately asked them if they would like to come and do the sports for Ghana and they eagerly agreed. Their coaches also welcomed the idea and later their parents as well,” he added.
The trio who have already notched some notable achievements in judo in England, all train at the Ray Stevens Academy in London owned by renowned British former Olympic silver and Commonwealth gold medallist, Ray Stevens who has trained among them, Hollywood stars Brad Pitt and Jason Statham.
14 year old Frema Afrakoma Agyei is the Juniors judo champion of England
The eldest, Frema is the current English champion and 3rd in Britain. She won both the Surrey County Junior and Senior Championships – an amazing achievement as she is only 14 years old.
Kwadwo is not doing badly either as he won gold in the English Championships and British Schools Championships. Whilst the youngest, Afia, is also in the Surrey County squad.
And even though both Frema and Kwadwo are currently in the England judo squad, all three have revealed the ambition to represent and take Ghana to the Olympic Games and win medals, as well as in other international competitions.
“My dad idealises Kwame Nkrumah and his ethos, I know this will make him proud for sure,” said Frema on why wants to wear the colours of Ghana.
“Let each man do his bit, we in the diaspora need to give something back,” 12-year-old Kwadwo iterated.
Little Afia added; “Amen to that, every little helps. Not just Ghana but Sub-Sahara Africa in general, I’d love to see the continent move in a positive direction.”
Their trainer, Dr. Edward Semple who is the Head Judo Coach at the Ray Stevens Academy has been so impressed with the development of the three Agyei siblings, he has also revealed an eagerness to tap into other potential Ghanaian talents and has hailed the meeting with a resourceful sports entrepreneur like Collins-Bio Donkor.
“It’s a blessing to meet Mr. Donkor, I appreciate his ideas and commitment to the promotion of sports. I can’t wait to work with him to grow the judo brand in Ghana, maybe like boxing. I want a chance to also bring more talents here to train,” said Dr. Edward Semple.
You must be logged in to post a comment.