2013 West African Polytechnic Games postponed

Organisers of the 2013 edition of the West African Polytechnic Games (WAPOGA) have postponed the event indefinitely due to financial constraints.

The third edition of the games featuring polytechnics within the sub-region was due for 14-24 August in Accra, but has been held up following sequence of financial constraints.

Edwin Mends-Brew, Chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the 2013 WAPOGA told GNA Sports on Tuesday that his outfit was still working on a tentative date.

Finance has served the toothache for the event established by the Summit of Heads of Polytechnics and Sports Coaches from West Africa in Lagos, Nigeria in 2000; which led to the maiden edition taking place seven years on with the Yaba College of Technology in Nigeria as hosts.

Whilst the second edition came off the following year at the Institut Nationale Polytechnique Houphouet-Boigny in Yamoussoukro, Cote d’Ivoire; the third edition was delayed till 2013.

The news will come as a big blow to the organisers' objective of unifying Polytechnics across the sub-region as well as the development of sports.

Mends-Brew hinted that his outfit was considering December or early next year depending on the availability of funds.

Meanwhile, eight countries including Ghana had confirmed participation; Nigeria, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cote d’Ivoire, Gambia, Mali and Senegal.

Participants will vie for honours in disciplines such as Athletics, Badminton, Basketball, Chess, Football, Handball, Hockey, Judo, Swimming, Table Tennis, Taekwondo, Tennis and Volleyball.