Boxing Hall of Famer Azumah Nelson yesterday paid tribute to his late long-term trainer, Attuquaye Clottey, for the significant impact he had on his world championship career and personal life at the launch of his "Zoom Zoom Clinics", a juvenile boxing and mentorship programme.

The late Clottey, a famed boxing trainer and founder of the Akotoku Academy, is credited with nurturing the careers of several Ghanaian world boxing champions, including David Kotei Poison, Azumah Nelson, Alfred Kotey, and Nana Yaw Konadu.

Through the Zoom Zoom Clinic, in partnership with the Ghana Boxing Federation, Ghana Education Service and sponsored by GCB Bank and GTS Drilling, Azumah Nelson aims to follow in Clottey's footsteps by passing on the discipline and determination he learned from his former trainer. He hopes to uplift and empower young people across the country.

Speaking at the launch of the clinic today in Accra, Nelson stated that the current generation had a responsibility to teach young people to become great future leaders in any sphere of society they choose.

"I am sure you have heard me on several occasions giving credit to my coach Attuquaye Clottey for teaching me the art of boxing and encouraging me to become the best in the world," Nelson said. 

"We all need mentors to guide us on the right path to greatness. We have a responsibility to teach young people the right way to become great, great future leaders. That is why I am introducing Zoom Zoom Clinics to engage the youth with positive life lessons which will help them to excel in the future.

"If I was able to do it, they can also achieve great things in life. If they work hard, stay focused, humble themselves, stay away from drugs and listen to their teachers and coaches. We will be in Tamale, Kumasi, Takoradi, and Accra. I hope to see you all there."

Programme

The Project Lead of Zoom Zoom Clinics, Yaw Sakyi, disclosed that Nelson will interact with children and young adults aged 12-18 years at basic and senior high schools in four regional capitals: Tamale, Kumasi, Takoradi, and Accra.

The Zoom Zoom Clinics will make stops at Tamale SHS on July 12, Ghana Secondary Technical School on July 26, Opoku Ware School/Anglican Senior High School, Kumasi on August 2 and the Bukom Boxing Arena on August 9, 2024.

He said that during the clinics, Nelson will personally teach students important lessons such as discipline, perseverance, and the importance of hard work both inside and outside the ring, as well as in the classroom.

For his part, the Minister of Youth and Sports, Mustapha Ussif, said the Zoom Zoom Clinics represent a commitment to nurturing talent, fostering discipline, and promoting physical and mental well-being through sports.

He said the Sports Ministry is committed to supporting initiatives such as the Zoom Zoom Clinics, which aim to create an environment where every young person has the opportunity to pursue their passion and achieve their potential.

"Azumah Nelson's legacy extends beyond his victories in the ring. His dedication to giving back to the community and mentoring young athletes is a testament to his character and a model for us all. Through these clinics, he is providing a platform for young boxers to learn, grow, and achieve their dreams. This initiative will undoubtedly uncover new talents and potentially future champions who will carry forward the torch of excellence," Mr. Ussif said.

"The Ministry of Youth and Sports is proud to support this initiative, which aligns perfectly with our mission to promote sports at the grassroots level and to develop the sporting potential of our youth. We believe that sports play a crucial role in the holistic development of young people. It teaches values such as teamwork, discipline, and resilience, which are essential for success both in and out of the ring."

The Deputy Managing Director, Finance of GCB Bank PLC, Mr. Socrates Afram, said the Zoom Zoom Clinics are not just a testament to Nelson's remarkable achievements in the world of boxing but also a reflection of his deep commitment to the development of Ghanaian youth.

"We at GCB Bank are proud to be associated with this initiative because our partnership with the Zoom Zoom Clinics aligns perfectly with what we stand for and our values as an indigenous Ghanaian bank deeply rooted in the community. GCB Bank is committed to fostering the development, growth, and opportunities for the youth. That is the reason why we are in partnership with Professor Zoom Zoom. We believe that investing in the youth amounts to investing in the future of the nation."