The Maiden Edition of the National Inter-School Athletics Competition commenced on Tuesday at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi.

The annual competition is being organised by Ghana Athletics in partnership with National Sports Authority and Ghana Education Service.

The event comes after a long break from Schools Athletics due to the Covid 19 pandemic.

In a brief ceremony held at Baba Yara Stadium, the Deputy Minister for Youth and Sports, Hon. Opoku Bobie commended all stakeholders for this year’s competition.

In his opening address, he noted that, the event presents the platform for deserving participants to take part in the African Youth Championship in Lusaka, Zambia and other local competitions this year.

He indicated that Ghana is privileged to host the 2024 African Games and as such this competition will provide the opportunity to scout for local talent that will form part of the national team.

He took the opportunity to acknowledge HE Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo on his infrastructural development and making a personal commitment to ensure adequate preparation ahead of the African games.

He finally tasked the organizers to continue with their good works and engage the Ministry to support for the development of the sport. On that note, he duly opened the competition.

The Director General of the National Sports Authority, Prof. Peter Twumasi in his keynote address applauded the Ghana Education Service and Ghana Athletics for revamping the national games.

He again commended the winners of the just ended National Cross County for opening this Year"s calender and inspring these young athletes to compete

He indicated that over 1080 student participants from 36 senior high schools across the country will allow room for numerous talents to be unleashed that will be nurtured and groomed for the senior national team to represent the country at the international fronts.

He thanked all stakeholders for the support and encouraged for more of such competitions to be organized.

Source: Sompaonline.com/Nana Yaw Boamah