Walking At National Sports Festival

Walking in Ghana gained a new image at the just ended national sports festival when a nine year old, Rudolf Ato Yankah of Cape Coast flower's Gay school, won the young discovery trophy and a certificate in the men's category. His award was presented to him by the Honorable Minister for youth and sports Kwadwo Baah Wiredu at the closing ceremony. The minister advised Rudolf not to rest on his owes but to strive and attain greater heights during the presentation.

Miss Jacqueline Bludo of the Ghana Police service who happened to be the only female competitor in the ladies category was also honored with a certificate.

Walking happened to be the first event in the list of athletics events that was competed for at the sports festival.Ahmed Tijani Sanni of the Ghana Armed Forces won the first gold medal for the military at the games in the men's 20km walk with a time of 1hour 30mins 27.1sec.The second position was taken by Atta Bright of Ashanti with a time of 1hour 37mins 06.8sec.The third place was taken by Eric Kwabina Nuamah of Eastern regions with a time of 1hour 36mins 27.9sec.Prince Frimpong of Ashanti region came fourth with a time of 1hour 41mins 24.0sec.The only international guest in the person of Luckshine Goodluck Egbejule of Nigeria took the 5th position with a time of 1hour 41mins 25.5sec. Benjamin Annan of the Central region placed. Top class walkers like Stanley Brimah, Kofi Ali, Eugene Snyper, Charles Ntiamoah, Richard Arthur, Bright Seidu, Jeandy Kwofie and Eric Ampedu could not make it to the finishing line. It is sad to hear that Francis Adarkwah fainted along the way and was rushed to the stadium clinic where he later recovered.

In a chat with the Ace walker Vincent Asumang of the Ghana National Fire Service after the games thanked the Chairman,Organizers of this year's Sports Festival, Ghana Athletics Association and the Minister Hon.Kwadwo Baah Wiredu.He added that irrespective of the technical and cumbersome nature of Race Walking the organizers did their best to make the event a success.Asumang also used the opportunity to thank the numerous sponsors such as Energizer,Voltic, Elephant Ointment, The Net,Biriwa Beach Hotel, Parlays Biscuit and Savoy Hotel.