- Hope everyone is well... I'm organising this fundraiser on behalf of Michael (Ballack) Bentum and Benjamin Baba Haruna (Big Ben), to reach out for support to make a last minute dream a reality. The ASC (African Surf Confederation) give us last minute news of their final surf contest that will happen in Senegal December 4th - 8th. The ASC is a new affiliated organization recognised by the ISA (International Surfing Federation) The ASC came up with big dreams including many countries in West Africa, to host an African surf tour. Out of 5 possible destinations only one (Liberia) Has taken place... But a contest in Senegal is happing next month, that hopes to bring surfers from around the African shores together to celebrate through surf.
Big Ben & Ballack
This is only the start of surfing in West Africa and the ASC are trying their best to make dreams come true for African surfers, and place surfing in Africa on the world map.
Through the support of Surf Ghana, they have raised money to support 2 surfers from Busua Beach Ghana. I would like to also send two of the legendary surfers from Ghana to compete and represent their home nation. Two surfers that have supported the up and coming surfers across the coast of Ghana.
Ballack sharing a wave with one of his local students
Introducing: Micheal Bentum, Second generation of surfers in Ghana, a humble man that is passionate about surfing and sharing his surf knowledge with the youth of Ghana and beyond. Micheal has shown his passion to his neighbours in Cote D'Ivoire and Liberia. Always taking his time to share his coaching experience with the kids, and more than once leaving his personal boards for the locals to enjoy.
Big Ben, nominated as the future president of the GSF (Ghanaian surf federation) Ben is one of the most important players to represent surfing in Ghana, as he speaks for the Ghanaian surfers in a diplomatic way, putting the surfers of Ghana before himself. Ben also runs a successful NGO at Busua beach (Teach on the beach). Caring for children that have difficult family support due to lack of funds.
Big Ben, swimming and surfing coaching with the local kids of Busua Beach
With the likes of Ben and Michael I truly believe, not only they will support their fellow youth athletes during the event, catalyse a strong relationship with all surfers throughout Africa, and represent surfing in Ghana to the world.
Thank you all for considering this fundraiser. Your generosity and dedication will make a meaningful impact, and we are truly grateful for any contributions. Together, we are making a difference, and we couldn’t make it possible without each and every one of you. Thank you for being a part of this journey!
Ballack competing in Cote D Ivoire
Kind regards
Brett Davies (Mr Brights)