Having lunch with another DTM Alumni from the 8th Batch Benson Chacha (Tanzania)
I am Kenneth Odeng Adade from Ghana and a Dream Together Masters (DTM) Alumni from the 7th Batch.
Prior to joining DTM, I worked as a Deputy Sports Editor at The Finder newspaper, a Press Officer for the National Olympic Committee of Ghana, and Deputy Secretary-General of the Ghana Weightlifting Federation.
After completing DTM, I returned to Ghana to work as an Editor for the Ghana News Agency, was appointed Head of Media Relations for the Armwrestling Federation of Africa, and continued my work with the Ghana Weightlifting Federation while also serving as an aide to the President of the Ghana Olympic Committee.
The Dream Together Masters program was a transformative experience that enhanced my understanding of large-scale sports event management. Its comprehensive curriculum, interactive learning approach, and networking opportunities equipped me with the skills and confidence to succeed in the industry.
In March 2024, Ghana hosted its first-ever African Games, and I was proud to be appointed to the Games Family Service and Village Accommodation Committee of the Local Organising Committee. Prof. Lisa Hindson’s module on Preparing and Operating Sport Events was invaluable, particularly in planning, collaboration, risk management, and leadership.
As a member of the Games Village Accommodation Committee, I was appointed as a manager by Chairman Ben Nunoo Mensah. My role involved overseeing daily operations, ensuring facilities and services were functional, managing athlete and official accommodations, and ensuring their safety. I also held Chef de Missions (CDMs) meetings each morning to address participating countries’ concerns.
Challenges included cultural and language barriers, infrastructure issues, logistics, and security concerns. A major challenge was handling the arrival of the Democratic Republic of Congo’s team at 3 a.m. They refused to move into their assigned rooms, requiring mediation and intervention from the African Union Sport Council. My risk management training from DTM helped me navigate such situations while fostering cultural competence.
Managing the Games Village was a transformative experience that contributed significantly to my professional growth. The positive feedback from athletes and officials was highly rewarding, especially given that my DTM thesis focused on Athlete Satisfaction in International Competitions.
This experience has shaped my approach to future sports event management. In August 2025, the Ghana Weightlifting Federation will host the Africa Youth and Juniors Weightlifting Championships, where I will play a key role in the Local Organising Committee. To ensure success, I aim to refine my risk management skills, improve communication, enhance cultural experiences, and emphasize teamwork and collaboration.
By Kenneth Odeng Adade(7th Batch)
