Nkonya (V/R), Mar 10, GNA - Government is to re-introduce bursaries and scholarships to students in the tertiary and second cycle institutions who excel in sporting activities.

Alhaji Rashid Bawa, Minister of State at the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports announced at the 24th Upper-North Zone Inter-Schools and Colleges Sports festival at Nkonya in the Jasikan District of the Volta Region.

He said the recent re-introduction of the Security Services Sports Association Games would enable the security agencies to absorb students who excel in various sports disciplines.

Alhaji Bawa therefore, advised students to take keen interest in sporting activities to enable them benefit from the package. "Learn to be disciplined and always respect your instructors in your various sporting activities," he said.

Mr Solomon Kwame Donkor, Jasikan District Chief Executive (DCE) advised the sports and girls to do away with drugs and other anti-social activities that might destroy their future.

He also advised them to abstain from pre-marital sex and rather learn hard to achieve a better future.

The DCE later presented five footballs to the federation. Mr Sylvester Serwuah, the Upper-North Zonal Chairman of the Federation called on District Assemblies to contribute financially towards promoting sporting activities in their respective districts to supplement government's efforts.

The Upper-North Sports Federation is made up of schools in the Jasikan, Kadjebi, Nkwanta and Kete Krachi Districts comprising 15 schools grouped in four sub zones.

The zones are competing in seven disciplines, soccer, volley ball, table tennis, basketball, handball, cross country and athletics. In the opening football match, Sub Zone A drew one - one with Sub Zone C.

In the boys 1,500 metres, Paul Amaglo of Sub Zone B came first in four minutes, 18.12 seconds followed by Kwabena Peni of Sub Zone D in four minutes 26.97 seconds.