Mr Magnus Rex Danquah, Executive Chairman of RICS Consult Limited, a sports marketing and business firm has clamoured for a revived format for the National Sports Festivals. The National Sports Festivals, expected to come off later this year after some year's hiatus, pits together teams from the 10 regions to compete for honours in various sporting disciplines, but Mr Rex Danquah insists the format must be revitalized to attain the goal of creating opportunities for the youth through sports. He was speaking at the 62nd annual New Year School organized by the Institute of Continuing and Distance Education, University of Ghana, under the theme: "Harnessing the power of the youth for accelerated development." He underscored the importance of bringing on board the various District Assemblies to compete against each rather than competing only at the regional levels. Mr Rex Danquah, who served as the Chief Operating Officer of the Ghana 2008 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2009 Hockey Africa Cup of Nations, explained that the long-standing differences between District Chief Executives and Regional Ministers over the disbursement of resources was one of the reasons for his choice on the seemingly 'mini Olympics' to take a new turn. He also stressed that the hosting rights of the National Sports festivals should be open to all District Assemblies through bidding. He added that it will ensure the respective Assembly improves on infrastructure and facilities towards a successful hosting. The Executive Chairman opined that the role of District, Municipal and Metropolitan Assemblies in the development of sports should not be underestimated since they are the grassroots where talents can be tapped and developed. Mr Rex Danquah who doubles as President of the Ethel-Jane Sports Business School, emphasized on importance of the economic impact of sports on the economy, saying that opportunities abound through sports for the youth in areas of performers, technical persons and volunteers. On the issue of Sponsorship Management in youth sports, he cited factors including value for money and sponsors' expectations, role of the media and pervasive threats of ambush marketing amongst others as pivotal in the near death of youth sports. Mr Rex Danquah encouraged the youth to respect contracts, change in the mindset, expeditious passage of the National Sports Bill, developing of youth sports brand, greater involvement of the District Assemblies, appreciation of the role of sports in national development to achieve national goals and set objectives. Dr Emmanuel Owusu Ansah, Head of the Sports Directorate at the University of Ghana, highlighted the importance of competition among the youth and the amputation of the 'win at all cost' philosophy amongst the youth during major competitions. He therefore advised the youth to adhere to the rules of fair play against foul play and to respect the rule of law other than the 'survival of the fittest'. He added that "Sports is a low cost high impact tool for development of the youth." Source: GNA