Wednesday, September 1, 2010

ROAD COMPANY PROMOTES PEACE THROUGH SPORTS (PAGE 23, SEPT 2, 2010)

PEACE has been acknowledged worldwide as a necessary ingredient for every successful democratic and progressive institution or nation. The existence of peace creates an enabling environment for businesses to thrive, as well as promote society’s well-being.
For this reason, the A&R Hatoum Limited, a roads and building construction company in Tamale, has chosen to honour its corporate social responsibility by supporting initiatives that seek to promote peace.
In line with this, the company sponsored and organised a soccer gala for youths from the various suburbs of Tamale in a bid to engender better co-operation, harmony and engagement among the youth.
The tournament, which was dubbed the ‘A&R Hatoum Peace Cup’, involved teams from 24 suburbs.
After weeks of exciting and competitive soccer, teams from Lamashegu, Ward ‘K’, Moshi Zongo and Nobisco Area qualified for the final games, which came off on Saturday at the Tamale Sports Stadium annex.
The team from Lamashegu emerged winners and were given the cash equivalent of the trophy, which was worth GH¢450. The Ward ‘K’ team emerged second and was presented with GH¢250.
Teams from Moshi Zongo and Nobisco area won the third and fourth places and were given GH¢150 and GH¢50, respectively.
The Managing Director of A&R Hatoum, Mr Raja Hatoum, told the participants to explore harmonious and progressive means of resolving their differences, such as the use of dialogue and mediation.
He said the use of violence further entrenched conflicts, strained relationships and retarded development.
Mr Hatoum said his company had identified sports as one of the avenues to reach many of the youth in Tamale and inculcate in them the spirit of togetherness and willingness to co-exist.
“Sports bring together people of various backgrounds, irrespective of their nationality, religion, ethnic affiliation, social standing or any form of identity,” he mentioned.
“It also promotes adherence to rules, patience, endurance and team work. These are traits that our youth need to cultivate to contribute positively to the development of their communities,” he added.
The MD reiterated his company’s commitment towards helping to improve the well-being of residents of Tamale.
“We consider social responsibility as one of the cardinal pillars based on which our company operates and therefore would do all our best to live by it,” he noted.
Some of the participants and observers were full of praise for the company, since the games it organised had helped renew the camaraderie existing between the youth of the various suburbs.
“I believe that if all companies were supporting these initiatives, Tamale could have been a far better place than it is now,” a sports presenter with Savannah Radio, Mr Samatan Killer stated.

No comments: