Okyenhene leads HIV/AIDS marathon

Kyebi(E/R), Nov. 30, GNA - Osagyefo Amotia Ofori Panin, Okyenhene , on Saturday, led 375 sportsmen and women in a 12-kilometre marathon walk and race from Asiakwa to Kyebi as part of activities marking this year's Okyeman HIV/AIDS Education Week.

The Okyeman HIV/AIDS Week was instituted three years ago by Osagyefo Ofori Panin to help check the spread of the HIV/AIDS in the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Area.

Among those who accompanied Osagyefo Ofori Panin were the octogenarian Osabarima Agyeman the third, Asiakwahene, Mr. Moses Mukasa, UNFPA Resident Representative in Ghana and Mr. Emmanuel Victor Asihene, East Akyem District Chief Executive.

Banabas Acquah of Humble Home club, Kaneshie-Accra, won the men's race while Ofosu Forster of Kibi was second and Dominic Amoah came third.

Mary Kwofie of Awudome Three Junior Secondary School(JSS) was the first female to cross the finishing line while Rosemon Okai of Asikam came second and Richlove Amoah of Accra came third.

Baafour Asare Agyei, the 45-year-old Gyasehene of Pano-Akyem, was the oldest man to cross the finishing line and Mrs Elizabeth Petersen, 63, of Saints Keep Fit Club of Accra was the oldest woman to take part in the race.

Richard Danso, 13, of Christ Head Preparatory School, Kyebi, was adjudged the youngest boy to participate in the race while Mary Kofie also 13, of Awudome Three JSS and a member of the Future Professionals Sporting Club, Accra, was the youngest female to participate in the race.

The award winners and other 20 participants were presented with various cash awards and Cowbell products donated by the Cowbell Company Limited, main sponsors of the marathon.