The Ghana Hockey fraternity held a memorial service to celebrate the life of the late President John Evans Fiifi Atta Mills at the Hockey Stadium in Accra on Wednesday evening.
It was attended by Regional Associations and the various hockey clubs who took turns to read their tributes to the late President.
The Minister of Energy, Mr. Oteng Adjei, urged the association to carry on with the legacy he left behind by making his plans for the sport a reality. He advised them to uphold the qualities of late Prof. Mills to serve as example for the youth in the sport.
International Hockey Federation (FIH) and the African Hockey Federation (AfHF) also said the late President was a friend, an ally, a mentor, an inspiration and a great personality who served his country and the hockey world selflessly and with distinction.
Oko-Nikoi Dzani, the President of the Ghana Hockey Association, said the late President touched many lives which had resulted in the emotional and mourning state of everyone.
The Veterans Hockey Club which the President was a member also said, on the hockey pitch, he was a stalwart striker who was feared by opposing keepers.
They described him as the gentlest of all souls although he was a Professor and taxation expert adding that “his Kindness to the youngsters in the club knew no bounds as he served duty, first as a Team Manager and later as Club President.”
Tributes were also received from the Citizens Hockey Club, Veteran Hockey Ladies Association, Multistix, juveniles in hockey, Security Services (SESSA) hockey teams and NDK Financiers Hockey Club.
The gathering was entertained by hymns sung by the Tema Youth Choir. Prior to the service, the Senior and Under-21 male and female teams played a testimonial match to honour their departed mentor.