The 28th Ghana University Sports Association Games (GUSA) is officially underway at the University of Cape Coast (UCC) after a breathtaking opening ceremony at the New Examination Centre.
Running from 3rd to January 18, the sporting event, a celebration of athleticism and human spirit, is on the theme: “Repositioning University Sports for National Development,”
16 public universities are competing in 12 disciplines, including athletics, basketball, football, hockey, volleyball, handball, tennis, and goalball.
Participating institutions include the host, University of Cape Coast, University of Ghana, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), the University for Development Studies (UDS), Akenten Appiah-Menka University of Skills, Training and Entrepreneurial Development (AAMUSTED) and the University of Education, Winneba (UEW).
Others are the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS), C.K Tedam University Technology and Applied Sciences, University for Environment and Sustainable Development, University of Mines and Technology (UMaT), Ghana Communication Technology University, University of Media Arts and Communication (UniMAC), University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), University of Energy and Natural Resources, and University of Business and Integrated Development Studies.
Parade
A major highlight of the ceremony was a parade of institutions, where participating athletes proudly represented their universities in colourful outfits, embodying the spirit of unity and sportsmanship.
Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Johnson Nyarko Boampong lit the flames
The flame of the GUSA 2024 was also lit amid fanfare.
Compete with integrity and sportsmanship
Addressing the guests, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Johnson Nyarko Boampong, who declared the Games officially opened, stressed the importance of unity and showcasing universities' rich talents through sports.
Prof. Boampong assured that UCC would deliver an unforgettable Games.
He said it was heart-warming to witness the role sports played in bringing universities together.
The Vice-Chancellor urged participating universities to compete with integrity and sportsmanship, to honour the values of fair play and mutual respect in the competition.
Prof. Johnson Nyarko Boampong addressing the guests
According to him, UCC had a proud history of success in the Games and was bent on winning the competition.
He said sports had become a powerful vehicle for social change, economic growth, and national pride.
He called on stakeholders to create a strong and robust framework that proritises university sports as a cornerstone of national development.
“The investment we make in university sports today would yield dividends for the country tomorrow”, he said.
He called on the government to channel resources towards upgrading and expansion of sports infrastructure in universities.
“May this year’s university games be a testament to our collective passion and a showcase of friendship and connections we build along the way,” he added.
Strengthen community bonds
The Chairperson of the Local Organising Committee, Prof. Rosemond Boohene, indicated that university sports was beyond mere recreation but served as a vital tool for nurturing talents, promoting healthy lifestyles and instilling essential values such as discipline, team work, and resilience in future leaders.
“As the host university and through the LOC, we are committed to making the GUSA Games an unforgettable experience not just for its competitive spirit but its ability to bring us together as one academic and sporting community to exhibit the highest standards of sportsmanship.” She added.
Prof. Rosemond Boohene
She reminded the participants that the values and relationships they build at the games were as important as trophies and medals they would win.
Prof. Boohene described the games as an opportunity to celebrate sports and strengthen community bonds.
Uphold the values of discipline, teamwork and respect
The President of GUSA, Mr. Shaibu Ibrahim Tanko, expressed appreciation for UCC’s commitment to investing in sporting facilities.
To him, one of the direct impacts of hosting the GUSA games was the development of infrastructure.
“This event offers host university the opportunity to invest in state-of-the-art facilities that do not only serve student athletes but also serve the surrounding communities.” he added.
Mr. Shaibu Ibrahim Tanko
The President also urged all stakeholders to commit themselves to achieve a successful GUSA Games.
He said he was optimistic that the athletes would do well and participate in world competitions.
“GUSA remains committed to providing the necessary support and platform for our student athletes to thrive,” said Mr. Tanko.
He urged all participants to uphold the values of discipline, teamwork and respect. “Let us compete fiercely but fairly, remembering that true sportsmanship lies in mutual and natural respect and camaraderie”, he added.
Source: Documentation and Information Section