The Ministry of Education says it is committed to strengthening physical education and school sports as part of efforts to identify, nurture and develop Ghana’s next generation of sporting talents.
Deputy Minister for Education, Dr Clement Abas Apaak, says government will focus on improving sporting infrastructure, building the capacity of teachers and coaches, and creating clearer pathways for talented young athletes to progress to continental and international competitions.
He made the commitment at the opening of the 35th edition of the Inter-Regional Basic Schools Sports Festival in the Greater Accra Region.
The festival, which brings together young athletes from all 16 regions, is being held under the theme: “35 Years of Sporting Excellence: Shaping Disciplined Leaders, Inspiring National Unity and Building Future Champions.”
Dr Apaak, who also doubles as the Member of Parliament for Builsa South, said school sports must be viewed beyond the pursuit of medals, arguing that it plays a critical role in shaping the character and future of young people.
“Sports have always been far more than competition. They are a powerful tool for education, character formation and national development,” he said.
According to him, participation in sports helps children develop discipline, teamwork, resilience, leadership, respect and perseverance, qualities he described as essential to building responsible citizens.
He said the Ministry believes education must develop the “whole child” academically, physically, socially, morally and emotionally, making physical education and school sports an important component of the education system.
The Deputy Minister further stressed the need to ensure equal opportunities for boys and girls across the country to participate in sports and have their talents identified.
He urged the young athletes gathered for the festival to approach the competition with discipline and integrity, reminding them that sporting success should not be measured only by trophies and medals.
“Win with humility. Lose with dignity. Respect every official. Support one another. Above all, uphold the good name of your schools and regions,” he advised.
Dr Apaak also commended teachers, coaches, team managers, technical officials, volunteers and the Ghana Education Service for their contribution to nurturing young sporting talents.
He expressed government’s appreciation to sponsors and development partners supporting school sports, describing their investment as critical to creating healthier, more confident and productive young people.
The 35th edition of the festival is expected to provide a platform for emerging talents from across the country to compete while promoting friendship and national unity among young people.
Dr Apaak said some of Ghana’s greatest sporting legends began their journeys on school playing fields, noting that the current crop of participants could include future Olympians, African champions, Commonwealth medallists and world-class athletes.
He therefore called for renewed national commitment to making school sports a stronger pillar of Ghana’s development.
The Deputy Minister subsequently declared the 35th Inter-Regional Basic Schools Sports Festival officially opened.
Source: Bolgafmonline.com |102.7 MHz | Accra
