Ghana drama doesn’t kill support

GOLD Coast cyclists’ generosity to fundraise thousands for Ghana’s Commonwealth Games team won’t be in vain despite suggestions the team were “skint” causing an uproar.

The Ghana team intends to accept the money and equipment raised so far in a project led by GC Bike Fit owner Peter Spencer.

Mr Spencer started Project Ghana Cycling on Facebook, sparking a flood of bike parts while a GoFundMe page targeting $5000 yesterday stood at $5820.

An initial Bulletin story about the Aussie generosity last week exploded politically back in Ghana. Claims the cyclists were poorly equipped and the team “skint” resulted political upheaval and prompted team bosses to call the Bulletin to a meeting and demand an apology.

Mr Spencer told the Bulletin yesterday any donated gear and funds would still be accepted.

“Please don’t stop the donations for Ghana sport, they are willingly accepting our charity donations. They are happy for that to happen.”

Mr Spencer, widely praised for exemplifying the spirit of the Games, posted to Facebook a “clarification” of just how the support came about.

“What began as an accidental meeting with the cyclists from Ghana became the offer of some guidance regarding where they could ride for training,” he wrote.

“The cyclists themselves (and the team they represent) made absolutely NO requests for assistance with parts or equipment, nor for coaching, logistics or support.

“Nonetheless, a cursory glance at some fresh-off-theplane bicycles suggested a few things could perhaps be tightened up, and that some wellused tyres might not last too many training rides along some of the local bike lanes.”

Mr Spencer told the Bulletin yesterday he had since been made aware by Ghana Games officials that once their cycling coach arrives tomorrow “all this stuff was going to happen”.

“It just happened our Australian generosity got in first before they got it,” he said.