Victims of May 9 stadium disaster remembered
The Ministry of Youth of Sports in collaboration with the National Sports Authority has lined up series of activities to mark the 10th anniversary of the May 9 Stadium disaster.
One hundred and twenty-six (126) fans died with several scores of supporters injured during a Premier League match between Accra Hearts of Oak and Kumasi Asante Kotoko on May 9, 2001.
Mr Clement Kofi Humado, Minister of Youth and Sports speaking at a press briefing on Monday, said the climax of the celebrations under the theme “Never Again”, will be a special friendly match between Hearts and Kotoko on Saturday, May 14 at the Ohene Djan Stadium, Accra.
The two Clubs are entitled to feature guest players and retired players in the clash which will be preceded by a similar meeting between the supporters of the two clubs.
Mr Humado announced that a symposium has been fixed for Wednesday, May 11 at the British Council Hall to discuss issues of safety and security at stadiums, facility management, sports insurance amongst others.
“On May 14, there will be a procession through some principal streets within the national capital which will terminate with a wreath laying ceremony in honour of the departed souls at 0700h GMT.”
The procession will be followed by religious rites at the monument of the departed souls at the forecourt of the Ohene Djan Stadium and a special wreath laying service under the patronage of President John Evans Atta Mills.
John Sackah Addo, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the May 9 Disaster Fund said his outfit continues to cater for the dependents of the 126 deceased persons.
He said the educational needs of 130 children are being catered for, ranging from pre-nursery, primary, Junior High School and Senior High School levels with four presently at the tertiary level.
The Chairman of the Trustees assured of unflinching support for the dependants of the deceased persons as enshrined in the Trust Deed.
Mr Ben Acolatse, Managing Director of State Insurance Company, (SIC) sponsors of this year’s event said his outfit will soon introduce an insurance package for football fans who visit the various league stadias in the country.
Source: GNA