Ada Foah, March 15, GNA - Estuary Stars emerged winners of the first-ever National Dragon Boat Championship competition which ended at A= da Foah at the week-end.

Fourteen teams made up of 10 in the male and four in the female categories participated in the competition which included Akplabanya, Azizanya, Ga Mashie, Ayigbo, Keta, Lions Heart, Ada Ladies and Alorkpem.

The competition was jointly organised by the Ghana Hafting and Dragon Boat Association, the International Federation of Dragon Boat Association=

and the National Sports Council, with sponsorship from the Dangme East District Assembly. Mr Bryom Hatler, President of the International Federation of Dragon=

Boat Association, said even though Ghana was yet to partake in a world ev= ent in such a non-traditional sport, he was satisfied with the talents displa= yed by the participants.

Mr Alex Tettey-Enyo, Minister of Education, who is also the Member o= f Parliament of Ada said the ministry was committed to developing non-traditional and lesser known sports to enhance the physical well-bein= g of the people. Mr Rex Daniel Wussah, District Chief Executive for Ada, said plans w= ere underway to develop the area into a cultural tourists' destination, as a means of enhancing economic activity of the people in the area. Mr Eramus Adorkuor, Chief Sports Development Officer of the Nationa= l Sports Council who supervised the competition, stressed the need to devel= op non-traditional sports for the growth of national and international sport= ing competitions.

Estuary Stars which placed first in the male category, were present= ed with a cash of GH¢150.00, two cartons of Voltic water, a set of jerseys= with Akplabanya taking home one carton of drinks, a set of jerseys and GH¢10= 0.00 for placing second.

Azizanya was third and received one carton of drinks, a set of jers= eys and GH¢50.00. Ada Ladies emerged winners in the female category and received one carton of drinks, a set of jerseys and GH¢50.00 while Alorkpem Ladies t= ook the second position and were presented with one carton of drinks, one set= of jerseys and a carton of Voltic water. The others were presented with certificates of participation.