Ghana is playing host to a two-day international conference on sports whose recommendations would be launched on the eve of next year's Beijing Olympics in China.

In all, 44 countries from across the world, represented by sports ministers, sports administrators and celebrated sports personalities are taking part in the conference.

"Right to Play", an International Humanitarian Organisation that uses sports as a tool for development of children and youth in disadvantaged areas, is organising the conference.

Mr Joham Koss, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Organisation, on
Monday led a delegation to pay a courtesy call on President John Agyekum Kufuor at the Castle, Osu.

He said it was their expectation that policy-recommendations that
the conference would come out with, would be adopted by governments.

He said the participants during the two days would discuss and reach understanding on how sports could be made a tool for development in peace.

He conveyed his organisation's appreciation to President Kufuor for
his personal involvement in the development of sports in the country.

President Kufuor said the importance of sports could not be underestimated and it was on the basis of this that the Government had integrated it into the national strategy for development and poverty reduction.

Sports, he said, was so basic that one could simply not develop without developing the body, a reality the whole world was waking up to.

President Kufuor said he was happy that the conference was taking place in Ghana, as it would help to further put the country on the world map of sports.



Source: GNA