SPORTS BBC joins Emmanuel Adebayor on his African ‘journey of hope’ Posted by on May 27, 2008, 09:41

BBC World Service sports presenter, Farayi Mungazi, will accompany Togo and Arsenal striker, Emmanuel Adebayor on his tour of Ghana and Togo. Adebayor is embarking on what he calls a ‘journey of hope’ which will involve parading his 2007 BBC African Footballer of the Year trophy to bring inspiration and encouragement to young people. 

The tour is the brainchild of Adebayor who insisted on having the BBC, a broadcaster he values and trusts, at his side. Emmanuel says he is proud to win his first ever award from the BBC and that it inspired him to want to give back to disadvantaged young people in his homeland.

“My thanks to all those who took the trouble to cast their votes to make me the BBC African Footballer of the Year for 2007,” said the 24-year-old football star.  “With this tour I plan to become an agent of hope and positive change in the lives of millions of disenfranchised youths in Africa. 

“I am a true son of Africa which is why I felt it important to take the BBC award back to the continent so I can share my success with them.  At the same time I hope to help young people receive the necessary attention, guidance and assistance that will empower and help them to fulfil their potential as productive citizens of Africa.”

Farayi Mungazi will spend over a week with Adebayor and will be there when the President of Togo, Faure Gnassingbe, presents Adebayor with the 2007 BBC African Footballer of the Year trophy in a special ceremony in Lome, Togo.  

Adebayor will also meet and talk with youths at special events in Accra and Kumasi and will have an audience with King Otumfuo Osei Tutu, King of the Asante people, on Wednesday 28 May.  Audiences can listen to live broadcast on BBC World Service radio and online programme, Africa Have Your Say at 16.00 GMT.

Farayi will host a special Ask Adebayor edition of BBC World Service African sports programme, Fast Track, giving fans across the world an opportunity to put a question to the Arsenal forward on Friday 30 May at 16.00 GMT.   Farayi will also talk to Adebayor about his career, his plans and why this tour is so important to him. Questions can be sent by email to fastrack@bbc.co.uk or by text to +44 7786 20 20 08.