Accra, Jan. 25, GNA - Mr. Richard Bonsu, National Director of Athlete in Action, a non-governmental organization (NGO), has urged religious leaders in the country to use sports as a tool in fighting moral decadence.

He said sports that played a significant role in socio-economic development could influence the character and the behaviour of the people.

Mr Bonsu made the call at the opening of Sports Fiesta 2009 at Adenta near Accra on Saturday.

Youth organizations, religious groups as well as civil society organizations were taking part in the three-week programme initiated by the NGO.

Mr Bonsu said the exercise which was under the theme "Unity beyond competition'' was aimed at exposing the youth to a variety of recreational and competitive sports as a way of life. He said this would help build athletically and promising youth and also help fight moral decadence.

Mr Bonsu said the NGO as part of the programme giving career counselling to the youth to help them to develop skills for self-leadership, self-determination and to acquire moral values. He advised the youth to abstain from indiscriminate sex to avoid contracting HIV/AIDS.

Mr Bonsu called on other NGOs to support Athlete in Action to ENABLE IT to achieve its goals. In the opening match, Athlete in Action defeated Soccer in Christ 2-0.