Captain of the national female hockey team, Elizabeth Opoku, has shared inspiring moments with young female athletes at GroomDatGirls’ flagship programme, Follow Who Know Road.
She was the special guest and heroine of the day for the event which brought together students and athletes from Methodist JHS, Unity Star Ladies from Adidome, Dynamo Ladies from Ho, Nestino Ladies from Dzemeni, and the Ho Technical University basketball team.
In a conversation with the Team Lead for GroomDatGirl, Ms Tilda Elinam Acorlor, Elizabeth Opoku advised the young athletes to believe in themselves by dreaming big through setting ambitious goals and staying focused to achieve those dreams.
She also urged them to develop their skills by seeking out experienced coaches who could help them to develop their skills and provide guidance through their journey.
“Regular practice is essential to improve your skills. Make time for on-ice training, off-ice conditioning, and skills development. Also, watch professionals in your chosen disciplines to study their techniques and learn from their strategies.
The three-time Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) hockey player of the year mentioned that as a female athlete, she faced numerous challenges that tested her resolve and determination but managed to overcome them.
“Many people in Ghana view hockey as a male-dominated sport, making it difficult for women to gain recognition and respect. As a woman in Ghana, there are often expectations around traditional roles and responsibilities, which can make it challenging to pursue a career in sports,” she noted.
She however explained that “I’ve worked to educate people about the benefits of women’s hockey and the opportunities it provides. I’ve also sought out supportive networks, including family, friends, and mentors, who encourage and believe in me to overcome these challenges”.
Ms Opoku mentioned that her greatest moment in Ghana hockey was leading her team to win Ghana’s first-ever gold medal in the African Games as well as playing at the Commonwealth Games in 2018, and 2022.
She said her target was to play in the Olympics and hoped she achieved that before she retired.
She said being the captain of the national female hockey team was an incredible honor and a tremendous responsibility saying, “It’s a dream come true for me, and I’m deeply humbled by the trust my teammates and coaches have placed in me.
“As Captain, I have the privilege of leading an amazing group of talented and dedicated women who share my passion for hockey. I take my responsibilities seriously, knowing that my actions and decisions will impact the team’s performance and morale”.
GroomDatGirl is an empowerment movement aimed at guiding vulnerable and marginalized young girls to become better versions of themselves.
This year’s edition was in partnership with Node Women, a community focused on growth and self-development.
GNA
KOA
30 Nov 2024
Photo Attached
