It's better than gold

Local man George met Ghana team coach Frank at the Bolton Arena, as well as a young Ghana player he had helped five years ago.

Only that morning, 20-year-old Ben Ayim had represented his country at the Commonwealth Games, and played the world No.2, Choong Hann Wong.

The story goes back more than 40 years to when George came to Bolton from Ghana to study engineering at Bolton Technical College.

He settled here, married and had a family. George started playing badminton and became a respected local coach.

But he wanted to help the game in his homeland. So, five years ago, when his mother died, he returned for a visit, taking with him nets and shuttles.

He helped coach youngsters in Accra, and was particularly impressed with one 15-year-old called Ben.

He advised the teenager and helped with his training. And when George returned to Bolton, he continued to send over the costly feather shuttles and kept in touch with the national coach.

It wasn't until Ghana's badminton team came to town for the Games that George -- now aged 60 and living in Over Hulton -- realised the talented but skinny youngster he had last seen on a makeshift badminton court in Ghana was now an international athlete. "It was wonderful to know just how much he had improved, and, of course, to meet Frank again," said a delighted George.

Ben said: "He helped me a lot, and I have become a much better player." As for Frank Shamo, he is full of praise for his local friend. "George is a wonderful man," he stated. "We are all very grateful to him."

On learning of the local man's contribution to international sport and friendship, the Mayor of Bolton, Cllr John Walsh, presented a racquet and T-shirts on behalf of the town. And for the Ghana team the future is now clear: "We will improve," insisted Frank Shamo.

"We are looking ahead four years -- to the Olympic Games."

And at that point, another proud smile crossed George's face.