Ghana kids Trust in Glens fans
Saturday, August 18, 2007
By Chris Holt
Last Saturday the Glentoran Community Trust launched its latest project "
Africa Calling" in the Glentoran Gazette.
The GCT had moved to answer a request for assistance from Chris Antoh Forsythe, the director of the Glentoran Football Academy in Sunyani, Ghana for additional aid for the children under his care.
The Academy looks after the needs of some of the thousands of street children from the region and has been supported by Glentoran Football Club for almost two years now.
The Academy has limited resources and relies on the goodwill of the Glens and the work of Chris. He was once a homeless child adopted by the late George Christopher Forsythe, a Belfast head teacher who brought him to live in Belfast, where he developed an interest in his local club Glentoran. Chris Antoh, with the backing of the Glens, returned to Ghana to set up the project.
Now Glentoran supporters and players through the medium of the Community Trust have decided to become involved in the Academy. "It's a three pronged attack," explains George Dorrian, the Trust's press officer. "Members of the GCT have designed and commissioned dedicated Ghana Academy pin badges, which went on sale at the Armagh City game last week.
"Next week, fixture lists priced at 50p will be available to purchase, and with the help of the Glentoran Gazette and the GCT website fans have been able to sponsor children from the Academy for the season."
Seventy-five children in total will benefit from the goodwill of Glentoran supporters as the project seeks to raise over £2,000 for their Africa counterparts.
"We would also like to appeal to any sports retailers out there who have football related stock which would suit teenagers to get in touch with the Trust through our website," added George.
