The DNSS programs, the 2nd National Licence Referees Course for 42, first Refresher Course for 40 and a five-day residential Administrators Seminar for 20 participants, was sponsored by the International Olympic Committee (IOC)through the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC).

Addressing the participants at the closing ceremony, the President of the GTF, Frederick Lartey Otu was empathic of the impact, the three month DNSS program, would have on the federation.

“The Federation wishes to assure the GOC that the DNSS would have a lasting impact on Taekwondo.

“The program has enabled the Federation to put new systems in place and train members to play new roles or old roles effectively. Taekwondo is taking a new turn and the Federation is grateful for the support it has been receiving from the GOC.

“Since the current executive board came into office over five years ago, the Federation has benefited from IOC support secured for the Federation by the GOC, which include, training scholarship for two athletes in 2014, Olympic Solidarity Technical Course for 20 coaches (two coaches from each region), and now the DNSS for a total number of 102 participants from all the regions."

He also called for support from all stakeholders in the development of the combat sport, while cautioning the beneficiaries of the three programs to be dedicated to the development of the sport in their communities.

“The Federation stands in need for more assistance to cope with International standards and produce world class athletes. We are counting on our key partners, the GOC, the National Sports Authority, the Embassy of the Republic of Korea and the Korean Residents Association in Ghana for support. We are preparing proposals for support to our stakeholders, and we hope for greater cooperation to realise the Taekwondo dream.

“To my coaches and instructors, I wish to emphasize that each member of the Federation has a role to play. The executive board has worked tirelessly to secure support for championships and training courses over the past few years. Your role is to go to the schools and centres in your communities and open more Taekwondo clubs. You acknowledge the quality of the training that you have received and you must not go back and relax. You must work harder and get more Taekwondo students. We are all in Taekwondo because we love the sport but we can never realise our highest potentials as administrators, coaches, referees and athletes if we do not dedicate efforts to developing the sports in our communities.”