The reason why I advocate that Parliamentarians be fully involved in
promoting sports and games is also for the potential national economic benefits. Talent in sports has brought about countless gains to individual sports men and women through what they earn in the process. This has been demonstrated by those who have, for example, excelled in
football by playing for various clubs at home and abroad. We have witnessed that the best wins are accompanied by lucrative prizes and commercial advertisement contracts. Similar to other investments, excellence in sports can earn substantial income to a nation.
There are many examples in the area of football, where many young men
from poor countries have earned, and continue to earn, good income as players. In some cases, the income earned has been invested or offered to charities back home, thus economically uplifting their nations. The other need for investment in sports is the economic benefit through the
expansion of the sports infrastructure. For example, we witnessed South Africa investing heavily in the preparation
for the football World Cup in 2010. The sports infrastructure constructed in that country created jobs for the people and may now be utilized for several sports
The Secretary-General’s
The Secretary-General (centre) pictured with the second Deputy Speaker of the Parliament of Ghana, Hon. Prof. Mike Acquaye (front row, third from right), and fellow Parliamentarians.
Dr William F. Shija talking to Mr Frederick Hyde-Chambers from Dialogue International.
The Secretary General (left) pictured with Mr Nick Lalich, MP, from New South Wales.
The Secretary-General (left) speaking with Mr Justin N. Bundi, Clerk Designate of the Kenyan National Assembly.