The University of Cape Coast Basic School has emerged the overall winners of the 5th Edition of the University Basic Schools Sports Association Games.
UCC Basic School won five out of the nine trophies to beat the University of Ghana Basic School which placed second position in the games with four trophies. Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology placed third with University of Mines and Technology taking the fourth position.
The four-day event was on the theme “Developing a Disciplined Personality through Sports, the Role of UBaSSA”.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Joseph Ghartey Ampiah, commended the coaches, athletes for the sterling performance in the various events. He said that education was not only about academics, noting that “sport is also an integral part of education and it helps in the physical development as well as unearthing the talents of the individual”.
Prof. Ampiah congratulated all the participating schools and indicated that “in the spirit of competition, we’re all winners”. He stressed on the need to provide adequate financial assistance to sustain the UBaSSA games. He gave the assurance that UCC Management would support sports development in the basic schools.
The head of UCC JHS, Mrs. Kate Frimpong, said there had not been any serious injuries despite the competitive nature of the games. Mrs. Frimpong expressed gratitude to the referees and judges for performing their duties professionally. According her, sports events such as UBaSSA, were meant to showcase the collective talent of the participants rather than only recognising winners. “A winner exists because someone dared to stand up and lose; for a height there has to be a depth,” she stated.
Explaining the benefits of being a sports boy or girl, Mrs. Frimpong said “sports gives you the confidence and enhances physical productivity and you have the joy of eating well and looking good in your body enclosure.” She urged the athletes to continue to strive for excellence in the discipline they have already displayed during the games. She further wished them success in their future endeavours and express the hope that their talents would be developed fully to the benefit of the nation.