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In a bid to empower the next generation of Ghanaian sports stars,a renowned Sports Health expert, Dr George Chidi, has urged athletes to prioritise local foods to sustain their energy and enhance their performance.
However, he cautioned against consuming certain staples like kenkey and fufu in the days leading up to competitions.
Dr Chidi delivered his advice at the Betway Sports Clinic in Sunyani, Bono Region, last Thursday.
The event, themed “Empowering the Next Generation of Sports Stars,” drew participants from various disciplines, including football, volleyball, basketball, swimming and coaching.
Dr Chidi explained that meals like kenkey, a fermented corn dish, contain high acidic content, which can hinder athletic performance. “Athletes’ bodies struggle to cope with such acidity during intense physical activity,” he said.
Similarly, he advised against eating fufu, a starchy staple, two to three days before games, as it can slow digestion and affect energy levels.
Instead, the sports health expert recommended incorporating local rice into their diets, citing its nutritional benefits over imported varieties.
He also emphasised the importance of hydration and recovery, suggesting coconut juice for hydration and tomato juice for faster muscle recovery. “Stay away from energy drinks,” he warned. “Proper rest and sleep are far more effective at sustaining energy.”
Organised by Betway Ghana, the clinic was part of a new initiative aimed at nurturing athletes, including those in remote communities.
Kwabena Oppong, Country Manager (Marketing) at Betway Ghana, described the programme as a vital intervention to help athletes develop their talents.
“This initiative, launched this year, focuses on all sporting disciplines and provides the necessary tools for growth,” he said.
As part of the event, Betway donated sporting equipment to participants and offered sessions on injury prevention, mental health and stress management.
Football icon Stephen Appiah, who is a Brand Ambassador of Betway Ghana and the vice-chairman of the Black Stars Management Committee, shared his inspiring journey with the young athletes.
He stressed the importance of discipline, teamwork, hard work and perseverance in achieving success.
