Akim Oda, March 22, GNA - The eighth annual Eastern Regional Super Zonal competition for second-cycle institutions opened at Akim Oda on Monday with a call on students to avoid the use of harmful drugs such as cocaine, marijuana, alcohol and tobacco.

Mr Yaw Barimah, the Regional Minister who opened the competition that involved seven zones, urged the students to avoid "so-called body building and performance enhancement drugs", adding that that regular exercises and sleep were enough to influence physical health. He appealed to private business, groups and individuals to fully support physical education and sports in schools by donating balls, kits, courts, trophies and also sponsor the education of students involved in sports.

Mr Barimah expressed concern about the lack of commitment by some heads and staff of schools towards the development of sports thus discouraging budding national sportsmen and women from pursuing sports while in school.

The Regional Minister, therefore, advised schools to prepare their students to participate in sports festivals since it could help on unearthing talents in the various fields of sports.

The Birim South District Chief Executive, Mr Yaw Amprofi advised the participants to take the tournament seriously and to show sportsmanship to ensure the success of the competition.

He appealed to the participants to be disciplined to enable them to attain the highest level of their talents.

In the opening football match, Akim Oda Zone defeated Asamankese Zone, the defending champions, by a lone goal.

Other participating zones included Kwahu, Kibi, Akuapim, Koforidua and Somanya.