The Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) on Friday organised a symposium to whip-up preparations of sports journalists to be better placed to cover the impending 2010 World Cup in South Africa. The one-day symposium in partnership with Stanbic Bank Ghana and cellular giants, MTN served as a guideline for the sporting media as part of their preparations for the first ever World Cup to be staged on African soil. Ackah Anthony, President of SWAG in his opening address said the symposium was in line with the Association's principles of equipping sports journalists with the requisite preparation and know-how ahead of major championships. He expressed the conviction that the event would expose journalists to pertinent issues leading to a successful coverage of major competitions such as the FIFA World Cup and to give readers, viewers and listeners quality materials for consumption. The SWAG President advised the media not to abuse opportunities during the World Cup, but to rather make the best of the situation in order to protect the image of the country. Mawuko Afadzinu, Marketing Manager of Stanbic Bank Ghana urged all to rally behind the Black Stars despite the recent setback in their preparations. Expressing optimism in the ability of the team to go far at the tournament, he called for total support by all to achieve the desired goals and objectives. George Andah, Chief Marketing Officer of MTN in a speech read on his behalf, announced that the cellular company will fly a total of 200 Ghanaians to Johannesburg to catch a visual glimpse of the world's biggest football event. As the only African multinational sponsor of the South Africa 2010 World Cup, Andah said the MTN Group has invested 7.1 billion Rand in the upgrading of the domestic network and infrastructure ahead of the World Cup as well as network coverage upgrades to ensure soccer fans enjoy a blistering tournament. The main speakers for the symposium included Moses Foh Amoaning, who lectured on the topic "Historical analysis of the World Cup and critical evaluation" whilst Magnus Rex Danquah, CEO of RICS Consult, handled the topic "The Socio-economic impact of the South Africa 2010 FIFA World Cup and potential challenges facing the media." Renowned broadcaster Joe Lartey also spoke on the topic "Achievements of Africa at the FIFA World Cup." The symposium was attended by over 50 journalists drawn from the print and electronic media. Source: GNA