Accra, July 6, GNA-Mr. Lewis Nkobe, Vice President of the International Chess Federation (FIDE) has called on corporate bodies to support the government in its efforts to promote and develop sports in the country.

He said sports played a very important role in the socio-economic development of every nation, adding that, its development and promotion should not be the sole responsibility of the government. Mr. Nkobe made these remarks at the end of this year's Republic Day Open Chess Championship staged at the Coconut Grove Regency Hotel in Accra on Saturday.

Defending Champion, John Kojo Hasford, Francis Anquandah and Robert Sackey took the first position for scoring five points each, while the second position was also taken by Sekou Nkrumah, John O'Neil and Eddie Thompson with four and-a-half points each.

Mr. Nkobe congratulated the Ghana Chess Association in its efforts of developing the sport and urged them to keep it up. The Vice President gave the assurance that FIDE would do everything possible to support the association in its developmental efforts. About 100 players drawn from all the regions took part in the one-day event, organized by Cekah Advertising with sponsorship from Johnnie Walker.

Mr Nkobe, who is in the country on a one-week official tour, was assisted by Mr Eddie Thompson, General Secretary of the Ghana Chess Association and Mr Kweku Hammond, Chief Executive of Cekah Advertising to present the prizes.