Poly Games open in Accra
The 2015 West Africa Polytechnic Games opened last Saturday at the Accra Sports Stadium with a call on participating institutions to use the competition as an avenue to strengthen the bond that exists between West Africa countries.
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The Minister of Youth and Sports, Dr Mustapha Ahmed, made the call in an address read on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama at the colourful ceremony attended by over 40 Polytechnics from eight West African countries.
Polytechnics drawn from Nigeria, Mali, Senegal, Benin, the Gambia, Cote d’ Ivoire, Burkina Faso and hosts Ghana were at the openning.
"I wish to assure all my brothers and sisters of this continent that Ghana still believes , like the founding fathers did, that our destinies are tied together," Dr Ahmed said.
"One country or region's sound political, economic, social or military standing would not make the desired impact on the international stage until we forge greater collaboration amongst ourselves and to present a united front such as the USA and EU.
"As the Grand Patron of the Games, I wish to assure the participating schools that Ghana warmly welcomes you. Let us use the Games to re-enact the celebrations of Africa's total independence."
The Rector of Accra Polytechnic, Professor Sylvster Achio, who also doubles as the President of WAPOGA, welcomed all participating institutions to the country, assuring them of fair competition which would be guided by the principles of fair play.
The interesting opening ceremony also saw President Mahama being installed as the Grand Patron of the Games while Dr Ahmed, the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Joshua Nii Laryea Afotey-Agbo, and the Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture, Hon. Kobla Mensah Woyome, were also decorated as patrons of the third edition of the WAPOGA.
Spectators at the national stadium were also treated to an interesting display of Ghanaian culture by the Nyansa Cultural Dance Group, as well as an exhibition from the Ghana Taekwondo team and gymnastics from the Ghana Armed Forces.
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The Accra Sports Stadium, Accra Polytechnic Sports Complex, the Ajax Park at Legon and the El Wak Stadium over the next week will host the various institutions in nine events namely, athletics, badminton, basketball, chess, football, table tennis, taekwondo, tennis and volleyball.