Ghana hosts ECOWAS International Cycling Tour

Accra, Nov. 6, GNA - Ghana will host the maiden edition of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) International Cycling Tour slated from Friday, November 19 to Sunday, November 22.

The over 300-kilometre race, which is under the auspices of the ECOWAS Commission is aimed at creating awareness on the economic integration promotion mission of the regional body.

The three-day tour is expected to draw participants from all 15-member countries within the sub-region with special emphasis on the attainment of the free movement goals of the Commission.

At the launch of the event last Thursday in Accra, Abdul Rashid Pelpuo, Minister of Youth and Sports observed that integration protocols will become practical upon the completion of the three-day event.

Mr Pelpuo therefore pledged the Ministry's support for the success of the event, which he described as positive in the attainment of aims and objectives of the sub-regional body.

Perpetua Duku, Chairman of the Local Planning Committee said her outfit is working behind the clock with regards to organizational and infrastructural demands of the tour.

She explained that the tour will be conducted in three stages with Nigeria, Benin and Togo as the other venues.

"The first stage of the 124-kilomteres race is from Lagos to Cotonou with the second stage of 90-kilometeres from Cotonou to Lome.

"The final stage of 114-kilometres will be from Ada to Accra."

Ms Duku appealed to corporate bodies to support the event, which she noted has the potential of growing to become a regular feature on the ECOWAS calendar.

Each country will be represented by a team of six riders not below 23-years.

There will be attractive prizes for winners in each of the categories.

GNA