The Charles Quartey Boxing Foundation is located at Timber Market in the heart of Accra not too far from the Bukom Boxing Arena. The foundation which has its own gym was founded by a national boxing team member and ex-military man, Mr. Charles Quartey.
The foundation was established in 2012 after Mr. Quartey returned from the United States of America and after serving his time with the Ghana Army. It was inaugurated by the member of parliament of the constituency, Odododiodioo, Hon. Mr. Nii Lante Vanderpuy who is enthusiastic about all the sporting disciplines. His love and efforts to ensure the foundation grow did not end at the inuagration but ensured he constantly paid a visit to the Charles Quartey gym with words of motivation and support as did his college Hon. Mohammed Adjei Sowah, Mayor of Accra.
His motive to set up the foundation was to ensure he gives back to the community where he had been since childhood and also to ensure majority of the youth in the community get engaged so they do not indulge in social vices which will retard their progress in the society.
With over 30 juveniles recorded, Mr. Quartey has on his own ensured every child is taken to school as he also ensures they are well taken care of.
In an exclusive interview between Mr. Quartey and Nana Kojo Sakyie Eduafo-Quansah a reporter from BoxinGhana.com, Mr. Quartey disclosed that, “it has been very difficult doing this alone as it takes a lot to get these children in order, feeding, clothing and upbringing as well as training them to box.
“I have always ensured the children under my foundation are focused and do not joke with school as they might depend on school and not boxing in the future.”
Looking at the effort Mr. Quartey has put in to ensure the gym stays operational, it was with no malice to say he has the interest of the children of the community at heart and will go any length to ensure they are given the necessary assistance they require to becoming world renowned sports personalities. Mr. Quartey further reiterated, “government should consider helping boxing coaches as boxing has over the period brough glory to Ghana. The investment pumped into other sports has also been an issue to discuss as it renders boxing and other sporting disciplines in Ghana almost irrelevant.
“I would call on all stakeholders and the Hon. Minister for Youth and Sports to look at Boxing and not only national coaches as other boxing coaches contribute to the success of boxing in Ghana.”
With the Charles Quartey Foundation Gym fully functional, Mr. Quartey, the coach and managing director of the foundation still hasn’t closed his doors to assistance to acquiring additional training equipment to increase the already acquired inventory.
“I will do everything in my power to ensure the foundation continues to live on, not because of me, but for the benefit of those I have pledged to assist through the sports of boxing and I know God will give me the strength and resource to keep growing strong and with numbers and corporate support.” Said Mr. Quartey.
Written by: Nana Kojo Sakyie Eduafo-Quansah
Photo Credit: 29PhotoStudio