Ghana Junior Olympics: A Milestone for Young Athletes – Coach Najib Mohammed
Source:Â http://www.richportaltv.com
The recent hosting of the Ghana Junior Olympics in Accra for the first time has been a source of great joy and opportunity for young athletes across the country. This event provided a platform for emerging talents to showcase their abilities, fostering growth in Ghana’s sports landscape.
Coach Mohammed E. Najib, a young and passionate coach from Accra, expressed his satisfaction with the location change. “When they used to host the competition in Kumasi, it was hard for some of us coaches,” he explained. “Parents were often reluctant to let their wards embark on such a long journey, especially with a young coach like me.” The move to Accra made it easier for local athletes and their coaches to participate, significantly increasing accessibility and engagement.
Training Challenges and Triumphs
Coach Najib, who also represents Ghana in the Flying Disc Men’s Division, shared his personal journey with his team. Hailing from Old Fadama, a small community in the Greater Accra Region, he trains a group of determined young athletes. Despite limited resources, he has worked tirelessly to nurture their talent. “It was very hard training them and convincing their parents to allow them to compete,” he noted.
Among the athletes he trained for the Junior Olympics, one achieved remarkable success, securing second and fourth-place finishes in their events. “It has been God since day one with my team,” Najib remarked, emphasizing the divine guidance he attributes to their achievements.
Introducing Ultimate Frisbee
Beyond traditional athletics, Coach Najib’s team also excels in Ultimate Frisbee, a sport gaining traction in Ghana. Ultimate Frisbee, officially called “Ultimate,” is a non-contact team sport played with a disc. Points are scored by passing the disc to a teammate in the opposing end zone. Despite its simplicity, the sport emphasizes self-officiating, even at competitive levels.
Ultimate Frisbee was introduced to Ghana by Mr. Desmond Kwame Mantey, President of the Ghana Flying Disc Association. Coach Najib proudly shared that his team has won numerous awards in this sport, further diversifying their skill set and achievements.
A Vision for Nationwide Growth
Looking ahead, Coach Najib envisions a broader scope for the Junior Olympics. “My expectation is that the program should be hosted across Ghana, selecting the top three athletes from each region to compete in the finals, similar to the GNPC model,” he suggested. Such an initiative would ensure more comprehensive talent identification and development, encouraging youth to embrace sports from an early age. His team won a silver medal of the four athletes who competed in the 100m dash.
Giving Back: Feeding the Homeless
Beyond his coaching duties, Coach Najib is committed to giving back to the community through his “Feed the Homeless” program. This initiative, inspired by his faith and personal experiences, aims to provide meals to those in need.
“I lost my dad at a very young age and my mom in 2020. I passed through a lot before I could eat in 2022,” he shared. Overcoming these challenges deepened his gratitude, prompting him to start the program on January 2, 2024. Guided by Luke 14:13-14, he emphasized the importance of helping the less fortunate.
Although he acknowledges that he cannot feed everyone, he prays for the ability to reach as many as possible. His next event is scheduled for January 1, 2025, as he continues this noble cause.
Conclusion
Coach Mohammed E. Najib’s story is one of resilience, faith, and dedication. From nurturing young athletes in Accra to promoting Ultimate Frisbee and supporting the homeless, his efforts exemplify the transformative power of sports and compassion. His journey reminds us of the potential within every challenge and the profound impact of giving back.
With visionaries like Coach Najib at the helm, the future of sports and community development in Ghana looks promising.