Report: Thousands of Young Athletes Showed Up for Ghana Junior Olympics

Report: Thousands of Young Athletes Showed Up for Ghana Junior Olympics

Source: http://www.richportaltv.com

About a thousand young, enthusiastic athletes from across the length and breadth of Ghana converged yesterday, on 26th December, at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium training track to mark the third edition of the 2024 Ghana Junior Olympics in grand style. The event showcased the nation’s rich reservoir of budding athletic talent and provided a platform for future stars to display their potential.

The day’s activities began at 13:00 GMT with event registration and the distribution of race numbers. Young, energetic participants lined up eagerly to collect their numbers, ready to demonstrate their talents on the track and field. Parents and coaches were actively involved, guiding their young athletes before, during, and after the various events, ensuring they remained focused and supported throughout the competition.

The event saw the presence of several legendary figures in Ghanaian athletics, including former athletes such as Reks Brobbey, Ohene Karikari, Paul Tuffour (Coach Koola), and the esteemed Wisdom Loh, in addition to some of the top coaches in Ghana. Current Ghanaian national athletes, including the in-form Benjamin Azamati, Rasheed Saminu, and Lariba Sakat Juliana, also graced the occasion, inspiring the young competitors with their presence and words of encouragement.

Hon. Hannah Tetteh was also present at the third edition of the Ghana Junior Olympics. Hon. Hannah Tetteh is a distinguished Ghanaian lawyer, politician, and diplomat. She has served in various high-profile roles, including Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration of Ghana (2013–2017) and Minister of Trade and Industry (2009–2013) under the administrations of Presidents John Atta Mills and John Mahama.

A member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), she also represented the Awutu-Senya Constituency in Parliament from 2000 to 2004.

Beyond Ghana, Hannah Tetteh has held significant positions on the international stage. She served as the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General to the African Union and Head of the United Nations Office to the African Union (UNOAU). Her work in diplomacy and international relations has earned her recognition for advancing peace, trade, and regional integration.

The organizers delivered a well-executed event, with every aspect running smoothly and without hitches. Notably, no casualties were recorded during the entire competition, reflecting the meticulous planning and emphasis on safety by the organizers.

“I think this is the way to go. The Americans introduce the kids to sports at a very young age that’s why you see most of their talents very young on the world stage,” Benjamin Azamati revealed.

The sensational and phenomenal running technique and style of these young athletes indicate that when we discover them young and groom them, Ghana will soon become a powerhouse and challenge on the global stage in athletics, as we usually say, “Ghana is a football nation.”

The competition featured a range of events, including the 100m, 400m, 4x100m relay, 10m crawl, long jump, and triple jump. These young athletes showed resilience and determination and competed fiercely for the top spots, and the top three finishers in each final were awarded medals and prizes from the event’s sponsors.

The success of the 2024 Ghana Junior Olympics has fuelled anticipation for next year’s event. The organizers have already promised to make the 2025 edition even bigger and more engaging, with plans to create a more cheerful and inclusive atmosphere for all participants and spectators.

Parents and coaches have been encouraged to continue nurturing and training young athletes to prepare them for competitions like the Junior Olympics. With consistent effort and support, Ghana’s athletics future shines bright, and events like these serve as vital stepping stones for young talents to realise their dreams.

Sponsors and partners of the 2024 Ghana Junior Olympics: Ghana Athletics, Past Athletes Association of Ghana (PAAG), Inspired by Sports, University of Ghana Sports Directorate, Beyond the Return, Azar Sprint Mineral Water, and DC Sports Connect.

Winners From Each Category

U4-5 100m Girls Heat 1

1. Portia Nywiemawor – Glorious Mission Academy – 21.56
2. Ewura Abena Beenye – Central Mount School – 21.98
3. Amesu Addoir Winmim – LCAC – 22.87

U4-5 100m Boys Heat 1

1. Hussein Prince K. Mawuli – LCAC – 18.95
2. Elikem Nartey – St. Barbar RC – 23.03
3. Sendey Osei Tuffour – Great Ashanti – 24.50

U6-7 Girls 100m Heat 1

1. Bajwawose W. S. – EBC School
2. Narteh Gabriella Dede – Fafali Org
3. Nhyira A. Asamoah – LCAC

U6-7 Girls 100m Heat 2

1. Alijatu Suleman – Chariot Athletics – 15.21
2. Josephine Ayamba – Chariot Athletics – 15.75
3. Banney E. Abakah – LCAC – 19.00

U 6-7 Girls 100m Heat 4

1. Anima Christabel – Chariot Athletics
2. Skylar Ofosu Ntiamaoah – LCAC
3. Kara Ofosu Ntiamoah – LCAC

U8-9 Girls 100m Heat 1

1. Lovelina Agyapomaa – Chariot Athletics – 14.73
2. Barfour Asuah Elsie – GIS – 15.88
3. Chloe Abraham – LCAC – 16.25

U8-9 Girls 100m Heat 2

1. Rachael Okankorkor Adjei –
2. Martey Mercy – Fafali Org
3. Khloe Kusi Asamoah –

U16-17 Boys 100m Final

1. Blessing Kunadu
2. Jonathan Ofori
3. Owusu Micheal

U16 – 17 Boys 400m Heat 1

1. Tettey Philip – 50.27
2. Owusu Micheal – 50.92
3. Eric Bony -52.75

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