Koforidua (Eastern Region), 24th June 99

One thousand and twenty students from seven zones in the Eastern region participating in the third annual super-zonal sports competition of the region which opened at Koforidua last Monday.

The students will compete for honours in soccer, volleyball, hockey and athletics in the week-week long event at end of which a team will be selected to represent the region at the National Sports Festival scheduled for Bolgatanga in August.

Opening the festival, the acting Eastern Regional Director of Education, Mrs Susan Kennedy, observed that positive results in international games have contributed in enhancing the international image of many countries including Ghana.

She reminded the participants and their instructors that success in sports festivals depend on planning, good managerial skills, organisation and finance.

The Regional Director therefore called on the institutions to motivate and encourage the athletes and their handlers to achieve the desired results.

Mr J.Y. Bedjabeng, Chairman of the Eastern Regional Second Cycle Sports Association, appealed to the district assemblies in the region to support the schools representing their districts with equipment to enable them to train adequately.

He stressed the need for financial assistance to pay winning bonuses to motivate the athletes and their coaches.

In the opening football match, Koforidua beat Akim Oda 3-2, while Kibi accounted for Somanya 3-1 and Akuapem drew 3-3 with Kwahu.

In the boys 1,500 metres race, Bodua Afful of Somanya came first with a time of four minutes, 27.66 seconds.

James Narh also of Somanya came second with a time of four minutes, 32.09 seconds and Thomas Amo of Kwawu was third in four minutes 33.50 seconds.

Patience Logo of Asamankese came first in the girls 1,500 metres with a time of five minutes 21.40 seconds, Mavis Adu of Kibi was second in five minutes 31.03 seconds while Rakiatu Yauda, also of Kibi, came third in five minutes 39.5 seconds.

GRi?/