Okyenhene leads marathon race

...to mark 2nd Okyenman's AIDS Day

The Okyenhene, Osagyefuo Amotia Ofori Panin, on Sunday, led a large number of members of keep-fit clubs from Accra, school children and individuals from Okyenman to ran a 12 kilometre race from Asiakwa to Kyebi to mark the second Okyenman's HIV/AIDS DAY celebrations.

Those who could not ran the 12 kilometre race were lifted to Asikam to embark on a five kilometre walk to Kyebi as part of the programme.

The walk was organised under the theme " Compassion is Protection" and was sponsored by Cowbell.

Other dignitaries who took part in the run included Professor Agyemang Badu Akosa, Director General of Ghana Health Services, Dr. Jones Ofori Atta, Chairman, Board of Directors of the VRA and some chiefs.

Speaking at the end of the run, Professor Akosa observed that, the fight against the spread of the HIV/AIDS disease could be more successful if the society showed compassion on those affected.

He explained that, when victims were aware that society would accept them and would not discriminate against them, they would come forward to tell their story and that would enable those who have not contracted the disease to protect themselves.

Professor Akosa said the majority of HIV/AIDS patients contracted the disease by accident and could not explain how they came by it.

The Okyenhene, Osagyefuo Ofori Panin, urged the people to discard the notion that the disease was caused by witchcraft and advised those who have not contracted it to protect themselves.

He explained that the walk was organised to create awareness in the rural communities because despite the noise being made about the disease, there were still many people in the rural communities who were not aware of its existence and how to protect themselves against it.

Mawuli Mekekpor won the 12-kilometre marathon race and was presented with a trophy, certificate, 200,000 cedis and products of Cowbell. Freeman Afedo who won the second place was presented with a certificate, 100,000 cedis and Cowbell products while Emmanuel Amening, who was third was also presented with a certificate, 100,000 cedis and some products of Cowbell.

The first female to complete the race was Juliana Aryee and was presented with a certificate, a trophy, 200,000 and products of Cowbell, Deborah Attram, the second female was presented with a certificate, 100,000 cedis and products of Cowbell. The third female to complete the race, Mother Agbozo was presented with a certificate, 100,000 cedis and products of Cowbell.

Prizes were awarded to the first 20 participants of both the men and women participants.