Ambassador Quarcoo receiving one of the citations from Ike Quartey (In hat) former World Champion. With them is Ben Nunoo Mensah (2nd R), GOC president INSET: Amb. Quarcoo with family
Members from the pugilistic sport on Saturday demonstrated love to Goodwill Sports Ambassador, Ray Quarcoo, for his immense contributions to the development of boxing in the country.
Citations, certificates and trophies from the Ghana Amateur Boxing Federation, Ghana Boxing Authority and other quarters poured in for the sports administrator who has etched his name in gold in Ghana sports.
Former Ministers of state, former boxers, boxing administrators and the Ray Quarcoo family were present to hold a befitting honorary ceremony for the former GBF president at the newly-constructed Premier Beach Club at Oshiyie, Kokrobite on Saturday.
Also present was veteran musician Agya Koo Nimo, who once hosted a popular radio entertainment show (Ene ye anigyeda) with Ray Quarcoo and two others (deceased) in Kumasi in the 50s.
The duo, until this month, had not met in the last 64 years.
Emceed by Amin Lamptey, George Lamptey, president of Ghana Amateur Federation mentioned that the event was to move away from celebrating individuals like ambassador Quarcoo after they had joined the ancestral world.
Ambassador Quarcoo said, “I am humbled to receive this award. As I do so, I wish to recognize the presence of all the special guests present.
“My passion for boxing started when I was 12 at the Armed Forces physical training grounds, now El-Wak Stadium; when I used to follow boxers like Billy West, Jack Taller, Attukwei Clottey, Roy Ankrah, Armstrong Agbana, etc.
“In 1953, I dropped out of the Abuakwa State College (ABUSCO) in my first year at the expense of my education to follow boxing for a few years before I later went to technical school. I have since then followed the sports with my body, mind and soul.
“I accept this award on behalf of my dear family, my lovely girlfriend and you all.”
Seasoned highlife lyricist, Gyedu Blay Ambuley, crowned the evening with some of his hit tracks which saw the audience dancing into the night.
Before his performance, Bukom Banku (Braima Kamoko) thrilled the large gathering with some of his repertoire.
Past boxers present paid glowing tribute to Ambassador Quarcoo for his contribution to their respective careers.
He had a hand in the success stories of Azumah Nelson, Ike Quartey, the Clottey brothers-Joshua and Emmanuel, Alfred Kotey, Isaac Dogboe, etc.
By Kofi Owusu Aduonum