Ho, Sept 3 - GNA- The 23rd Inter Regional Schools and Colleges Sports Festival kicks off at the Ho Sports Stadium on Sunday, September 7.

Disciplines to be competed for during the one-week festival in both boys and girls divisions are, football, handball, volleyball, table tennis, athletics, cross-country and hockey.

Mr Winston Amengor, Volta Regional Physical Education (P.E) Organiser said this when the Regional Minister, Mr Kwasi Owusu-Yeboa visited the regional team during training at the Ho Sports Stadium on Tuesday.

The Minister said as a host region, the onus lies on the Regional Co-ordinating Council (RCC) to prepare and motivate the athletes adequately to enable them to win many laurels for the region. Mr Owusu-Yeboa advised those representing the region to work hard and be prepared to endure and commit their energies to the cause of the region.

He urged them to exercise the highest level of discipline, which is the hallmark successful sportsmen and women. The Minister cautioned the Volta Squad not to underrate their opponents since it would be disheartening to be defeated on home grounds.

Mr Samuel Donkor Gyang, Regional Director of Education said attractive packages await medal winners and urged them to persevere in order to distinguish themselves and bring honour to the region. Master Tsatsu Sakpaku, general captain of the regional team, on behalf of his colleagues, pledged to uphold the highest level of discipline to enable them to retain their titles and win new ones in appreciation of the support from the regional administration.