Kwae,(E/R) March 10, GNA - The Ghana Oil Palm Development Company (GOPDC), has organized a soccer gala for Junior High Schools in its catchment area as part of the Independence Day Celebrations at Kwae in the Eastern Region.

The two-day event which was participated by eight schools in the boys and girls divisions was the third to be organized by the Oil Palm Company. Anweam Roman Catholic Junior High School emerged champions in the boys division with Okumaning Methodist Junior High School winning the first position in the girls' soccer event. The winners in each category received a Dell desk-top computer with accessories and cash of GHC 200 each as their prize. The second place winners, GOPDC School (Boys) and Anweam Methodist Girls received cash award of GHC 200 each. Anweam R/C boys defeated their GOPDC counterparts in the finals by two goals to nil through goals scored by centre forward Kata Bismark. In the girls division, Okumaning beat their Anweam counterpart's three goals to two on penalties after a scoreless game after the regulation time. In the semi finals boys match, GOPDC also beat Atobriso Local Authority Junior High School by three goals to two on penalties after the two teams had settled for a scoreless draw with Anweam R/C also beaten Jamestown L/A JHS by three goals to two after a scoreless game. In the semi-final Girls event, Anweam JHS defeated Jamestown L/A by two goals to one on penalties after the two teams had ended their match with no scores.

Other teams which took part in the soccer fiesta were Otumi Presbyterian, Asuom L/A and Kwae L/A. The Managing Director of GOPDC, Mr Werner Pirijns, presented the prizes to the winners of the Boy's event whilst Mr Tom Leyman, Operations Director of Siat Group of Gabon, a sister Company of GOPDC, presented the prizes for the Girls team.

The Community Relations Officer of GOPDC, Alhaji Bashir Manu said the Gala organised by the company forms part of heir social responsibility and aimed at unearthing sporting talents among the youth, especially among the girl-child in the communities in which they operate. Alhaji Manu promised that winners in future competition would receive bigger awards and announced that Takrowase and Kusi schools would be invited to participate in future contests. 10 March 10