Ghana Junior Olympics Ended Successfully – Coach Boniface Boinde
Source: http://www.richportaltv.com
The event concluded successfully, but there were notable challenges that need to be addressed to improve future editions. One major issue was the lack of sufficient personnel to handle the various roles. This led to one individual performing multiple duties, such as manning the registration table, assisting in the call room, acting as a starter assistant, running errands, and more. This multitasking strained efficiency and impacted the overall coordination of the event.
Another concern was the starter’s behaviour, which raised questions of fairness and professionalism. For instance, Nasiba, initially assigned to lane 4, was moved to lane 1 without valid justification. Attempts to rectify the situation were dismissed, and the starter’s insistence on keeping her in lane 1 seemed to negatively affect her performance psychologically. Additionally, during the 100m race, the starter displayed unprofessional conduct by engaging in a conversation while athletes were on their marks, causing unnecessary delays and frustration.
The time estimation for the event was poorly planned, resulting in a rushed schedule. This affected the smooth flow of events, with some athletes unable to participate in their races or leaving before the closing ceremony. Furthermore, while online registration was available, many registered participants failed to attend, while others who had not registered were allowed to compete, creating logistical inconsistencies.
100m:
Ekuwin Kumah: 1st in her heat but did not qualify for the finals by time.
Happiness Edwin: 2nd in her heat but did not qualify for the finals.
Hellen Dery: 4th in her heat.
Long Jump:
Happiness Edwin: 7th place.
Ekuwin Kumah: 8th place.
Hellen Dery: 10th place.
400m:
Ekuwin Kumah: 1st place, winning gold with a time of 1:06.
Happiness Edwin: 2nd place, winning silver with a time of 1:07.
Nasiba Aminu: 5th place with a time of 1:08.
Despite the setbacks, the team managed to secure two medals – one gold and one silver – reflecting their hard work and determination. To enhance future events, it is essential to address the identified issues, such as increasing personnel, ensuring fairness, improving time management, and establishing clear guidelines for participant registration and attendance.