The brand new Cruyff Court Tema Meridian was inaugurated with traditional prayers in the presence of the Ghanaian Minister of Youth and Sports, among others. The opening concluded with a football match between the children of the two nearby schools.
In partnership with Cargill and the Tema Metropolitan Assembly, Cruyff Court Tema Meridian has been realised. Cargill is a global food company and has been a key partner of the Cruyff Foundation since 2015. The company has a cocoa processing plant in Tema and had a desire to support the local community.
The court will provide school children in the Tema Community with the opportunity to develop their leadership capabilities, both on and off the field. Ghana Educational Services estimates that approximately 6,038 children will benefit from this project. The ultra-modern facility, the first of its kind in sub-Saharan Africa outside of South Africa, has male and female changing rooms, floodlights, security fencing and is fully accessible to visitors with disabilities.
As part of the project, 16 local coaches will be trained to support activities and model these leadership values on the court and in the communities. During the opening ceremony, they received their diplomas from the hands of Cruyff Foundation trainer Rob Groener.
Hon. Yusuf Mustapha, minister of youth and sports, praised the Cruyff Foundation and Cargill during the opening of the project and highlighted the positive impact on youth sports in Tema.
Aedo van der Weij, Managing Director of Cargill Ghana, remarked, “I am excited to be part of the history we make today. A history that will go a long way to promoting the development of sports among the youth of Tema, for now and for future generations. This project exemplifies Cargill’s values – doing the right thing, reaching higher and putting people first – and reinforces our commitment to improving livelihoods in our communities.”
Cruyff Court Tema Meridian was of course opened with a game of football!
Funny fact: Cruyff Court Tema Meridian is named after the town of Tema, Ghana, and the 0° Meridian that passes there less than 100 metres from Cruyff Court
