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Former Black Stars captain, Stephen Appiah last Saturday  donated cash and  football equipment to participants and spectators at the maiden edition of the Hot Sports Mama Vits Gala held at the Indafa Park in Accra.

The programme, which forms part of Appiah’s role as the National Peace Ambassador,  saw him performing the ceremonial kick-off at the 24-team competition, which attracted a large number of football fans.

Moments after the ceremonial kick-off, he  expressed satisfaction with the massive turnout for the event, saying, it  reinforced his belief that football was the best medium to promote peace before and during the presidential and parliamentary elections on November 7.

"I have always believed that football tournaments, such as this competition, can make a difference, especially when it comes to preaching peace," the former Juventus star said.

He noted that “the massive gathering here today of people from all walks of life and different backgrounds gives us a glimpse of what we have as a country, and it also shows us what we have to lose.

"Without the peace that exists in this country, all of us cannot go about our daily businesses, be they football or trade . That is why we must all work towards preserving this peace."

The national icon also expressed gratitude to his former teammates, Baffour Gyan and Peter Oforiquaye, for turning up at the event to support him.

Appiah will bring his peace building efforts to a climax on June 8 and June 11, when the Unity Match, a two-leg international football match organised by Primevial Media, takes place at the Baba Yara Stadium on June 8, and  at the Accra Sports Stadium on June 11.

Meanwhile,  12 teams, namely Berekuso United, Dodowa FC, Mamprobi Atravista, SCC Professionals, Nungua, Goldman FC, Mataheko, Dansoman Last Stop, Omanjor, Ashaiman, Atico Stars and Arena, have qualified to the next stage of the Hot Sports Mama Vits Gala.