A Tamale-based registered Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), Africaid Whizzkids United which focuses on establishing academic, cultural, scientific relations and environmental sustainability, has donated a set of sports equipment to the Sports Directorate of the University for Development Studies (UDS).

In a brief ceremony at the Central Administration Block of the University on Wednesday, July 7, 2021, the NGO donated the items comprising 12 FIFA footballs and other items to support the University in its effort to achieve climate change and environmental sustainability. The donation also seeks to further strengthen collaboration between the 2 institutions following an earlier MOU, as they meaningfully engage the youth through sports for environmental protection and community development.

Making the presentation, the Chief Executive Officer of Africaid Whizzkids United, Dr. Marcus McGilvray, who also holds a local chieftaincy title as “Malgu-Naa” (Chief of Peace) explained how effective sports (soccer or football) can be used to achieve and or enhance environmental cleanliness, conflict resolution, education and health among others. He also recounted how his outfit was able to minimize the rate of HIV spread in South Africa through sports as a result of which they were awarded with the footballs by the world’s football organization (FIFA).

In his acceptance speech, the Vice-chancellor of UDS, Prof. Gabriel Ayum Teye thanked the CEO of Whizzkids, Dr.McGilvray for the kind gesture and assured him of putting the items into good use. He further noted that engaging the youth in sporting activities will certainly turn their attention away from social vices including the usual bush burning and littering of the environment.

The Registrar, Dr. A.B.T Zakariah received the items on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor and UDS and handed them over to the Sports Directorate.

Present at the function were Mr. Ibrahim Tanko - Director of Sports, Dr. Gazali Issahaku – Lecturer, Department of Food Security and Climate Change, Mr. Edward Broni Boahene- Head, University Relations and other supporting staff.