Hohoe, Mar. 10, GNA - The 15th Volta Region Northern Zone Inter-Schools and Colleges Sports festival opened at the Hohoe Evangelical Presbyterian Secondary School (HEPSS) on Wednesday.

A total of 15 schools would be vying for honours in volleyball, table tennis, football, cross country and athletics in both boys and girls divisions in the week-long festival.

Mr James Dogbe, Hohoe District Chief Executive (DCE) in an opening address urged students to take keen interest in sporting activities while entreating school authorities to help harness and nurture such budding students into stars.

He said that, "Perhaps this venture may be the highest foreign exchange earner for the country in the near future if it receives the necessary support from the government corporate organisations". Mr Dogbe said apart from keeping the body fit, sports promote competitive and team spirit and provides the platform for socialisation. He therefore advised students to show keen interest in sporting activities and be determined to excel on such occasions.

Ms Christine Seayor, Hohoe District Director of Education urged the competing schools to avoid all negative tendencies including alcoholism and rowdy behaviour to ensure the success of the festival. She urged the schools and athletes to uphold the rules and regulations of the game and be tolerant of each other in order to make the needed impact.