Annual Triangular Tennis Competition Ends In Bolga

An annual triangular Tennis competition between three regions in the northern region has ended successfully, with a call on participants to exhibit sportsmanship beyond their various cots.

The games involved the Tamale, Bolgatanga and Wa Tennis Clubs representing the Northern, Upper East and Upper West Regions, which started about a decade ago and rotated each year among the three regions.

The Vice President of the group, Mr Bugbilla Emmanuel, explained that the main aims of the games was to foster unity among the people of the three Regions.

He disclosed that this year's competition hosted by the Bolgatanga Tennis Club was in commemoration of Ghana's 60th Independence celebration and called on members to exercise to the best of their ability.

The Vice President of the Wa Tennis Club, Mr Brien Sotaa Seidu, on behalf of his members, presented Tennis Balls and an amount of GHȼ1,500.00 to the Bolgatanga Club.

A Senior Lecturer and Head of Department at the University for Development Studies (UDS) Nyankpala Campus, Dr Francis Kweku Amogloh, on behalf of the Tamale Club, also presented four tennis balls and a cash amount of GHȼ1500.00 to the host club - Bolgatanga.

The President of the Bolgatanga Tennis Club Mr Martin Amana received the gifts on behalf of the host club and thanked the other two clubs for the gesture.

In an address, the Upper East Regional Minister, Mr Rockson Ayine Bukari expressed joy for the competition and said 'it would help bring out talents in the sport in the three northern regions to represent us in national and international competitions'.

The minister noted that sports was one of the best-paid jobs in the world and indicated that regular participation in sports and physical activities provided various social and health benefits.

'Aside physical fitness, it instils healthy lifestyle choices among children and young people, by helping them to remain active in combating non-communicable disease,' he added.

He stated further that the World Health Organization (WHO), has emphasized that physical exercise could stimulate positive mental health and cognitive development, improvement in self-esteem and self-confidence as well as have positive effects in handling depression and anxiety conditions.

Mr Bukari, however, stressed that President Nana Akuffo-Addo has a vision of transforming the country to bring smiles on the faces of the citizenry and urged all to help the government affect the needed change Ghana deserved.

He suggested that Tennis clubs be opened in the various schools in the region and urged Municipal and District Assemblies to support that course.

Mr Bukari advised Club members to be mindful of time and information management, communication gaps and the spirit of teamwork. The occasion was used to award some old and young deserving members of the Clubs. GNA