UG@75 Sporting Activities Launched
The University of Ghana (UG) as part of activities commemorating its 75th anniversary to celebrate its achievements and contributions to national development, has integrated sports as part of the events for the celebration. The Pro Vice-Chancellor (Academic and Student Affairs), Professor Gordon A. Awandare, who launched the sporting activities commended the Sports Directorate for putting together strategies and programmes to promote the development of student athletes. He added that the University was proud of the student athletes who have gone on to represent UG at national and international competitions, breaking records and winning laurels.
Professor Gordon Awandare, Pro Vice-Chancellor, ASA
Professor Awandare, Chairman for the occasion encouraged all involved in the UG@75 Inter-Hall Games that the games should evoke competitiveness, fun, respect, tolerance, and fair play towards one another. He asserted that, that was the sportsmanship the University of Ghana is known to be associated with. He thanked all stakeholders for their support.
In his remarks, the Director of Sports, Dr. Bella Bello Bitugu, highlighted the sporting activities lined up for the celebrations. These included Inter-Hall Games, Athletics Competition and Inter-Hall Games, Ghana Universities Sports Association Cross-Country Competitions, Staff Games, Family Day, Roundtable Discussion and Public Lecture. He expressed his delight in the integration of sports into academia at UG.
Dr. Bella Bello Bitugu, Director of Sports
Dr. Bitugu noted that in 2022, several UG athletes were integrated into the Ghana National Team for the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, England. He stated that five sprinters and a high jumper gained scholarships at universities in the United States of America to either continue their undergraduate or postgraduate programmes. He ascribed these feats to the careful and patient investment being made by the University through the Sports Directorate with support from University Senior Management.
The event was graced by two sports colossi in Ghana, Ms. Eva Okyere and Mr. Augustine Ahinful. They admonished student athletes to imbibe the values associated with sports as they aspire to achieve their goals. They emphasized the importance of hardwork, dedication, and passion, which are key ingredients for their academic success and career development.
Mr. Augustine Ahinful, Ex Black Stars Player
Ms. Nina Okoroafor, an alumna of the University, and Mr. Fredrick Amegbletor (UG student) were adjudged the Best Players of the exhibition goalball and volleyball matches played between UG and the Alumni Team.
Dignitaries and students were entertained to choreography by students of the Department of Dance Studies, School of Performing Arts.
Students of the Dance Department
Also present were the Registrar, Mrs. Emelia Agyei-Mensah; Director, Public Affairs Directorate, Mrs. Elizier Ameyaw-Buronya and other university officials, Prof. Akosua Adomako Ampofo, Chairperson, UG@75 Planning Committee; members of the UG@75 Planning Committee, members of the Sports Advisory Board and Sports Management Committee, students, alumni, and friends of the university.