by Kelly Eric Ehor | Nov 26, 2024 | Ghana, Other Sports
Awal Mohammed, a student of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), emerged victorious in the inaugural 2024 Iron Forge Functional Fitness National Competition. Held last Sunday at the Idrowhyt Events Centre in Dansoman, Awal accumulated 68 points to claim the top prize, including GHS 1,500 cash, two trophies (one to keep and one for next year’s defense), a medal, a certificate, and various sponsor products.
The two-day event saw 12 athletes from five regions competing in strength, speed, power, endurance, and bodyweight categories, much to the delight of an energetic crowd.
Charles Adamah, a former University of Education, Winneba student and fitness instructor, secured second place with 59 points. His efforts earned him GHS 1,000, a trophy, a medal, a certificate, and sponsor rewards. Determined Isaac Amoako of the Ashanti Region claimed third with 53 points, winning GHS 700, a medal, a certificate, and other prizes.
Isaac Ewusi (Central Region) and Isaac Owusu (Kumasi) rounded out the top five in fourth and fifth positions, respectively.
Awal Mohammed, a bodybuilder and sports enthusiast, expressed gratitude to Functional Fitness League Ghana for the platform, emphasizing the importance of regular competitions to keep athletes active and motivated.
Nana Adu Mankatta, President of Sports For All Federation, commended the athletes for their performance, urging them to train harder for future opportunities, including international representation.
Ms. Wendy Naa Deidei Sampah, a technical officer, highlighted the growing appeal of functional fitness and encouraged more youth participation. Meanwhile, Mr. Charles Owusu Ansah, President of Functional Fitness League Ghana, thanked sponsors and the media for their contributions to the event’s success.
Final Rankings:
12th: Frank Mensah (16 points)
11th: Cletus Bannerman (18 points)
10th: Shadrach Yeboah (20 points)
9th: Philip Bandele (23 points)
8th: Shaibu Tijani (Northern Region, 28 points)
7th: Francis Addo (41 points)
6th: Abdulai Adams (45 points)
5th: Isaac Owusu (Ashanti Region, 51 points)
4th: Isaac Ewusi (Central Region, 51 points)
3rd: Isaac Amoako (Ashanti Region, 53 points)
2nd: Charles Adamah (Accra, 59 points)
1st: Awal Mohammed (KNUST, 68 points)
Sponsors: Denzgate, Greystone Gym, Afrofit Global Foundation, Forte Commodities Ltd, Kofas Enterprise, SKOF, Fit Trip, Health & Fitness Matters, Ice Drop, Neurkies Hub, and Sunda International.
by Kelly Eric Ehor | Nov 25, 2024 | Africa, Athletics, Nigeria, Other Sports
More than 1,000 athletes are set to participate in the inaugural Ajegunle Youth Marathon on Saturday, November 30, according to the event organizers.
The marathon’s activities commenced with a VIP race held the previous Saturday, featuring notable personalities, political leaders, and celebrities. The 2.5-kilometer VIP race started at the Ifelodun Local Council Development Area and concluded at the Ajeromi/Ifelodun Local Government Secretariat.
The event was officially flagged off by Oba Moroof Amodu-Tijani (Amore III), the Olu of Iwa and Apapa Kingdom, along with representatives of the local councils. Oba Amodu-Tijani highlighted the marathon’s role in promoting peace, unity, and harmony across Ajegunle’s diverse ethnic and religious communities.
“This marathon will help unify our diverse groups and promote a spirit of togetherness. We appreciate the National Youth Council of Nigeria for this brilliant initiative,” he remarked.
Isaac Moses, the project leader for the Ajegunle City Youth Marathon, shared key details about the main event. He confirmed the participation of over 1,000 runners and assured attendees of robust security arrangements involving the Nigerian Police, Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps, and the Federal Road Safety Commission. He also mentioned that the Lagos State Ministry of Health would provide two ambulances for medical emergencies, while free health checks would be available for attendees.
Isaac Omoleye, the Coordinator of the National Youth Council of Nigeria in Ajeromi/Ifelodun, emphasized the marathon’s goal of promoting fitness, fostering unity, and showcasing the hidden talents within the Ajegunle community.
The main race will start at Maracana Stadium and finish at the Nigerian Army Signals Barracks Sports Ground, Mile 2, Lagos.
by Kelly Eric Ehor | Nov 25, 2024 | Ghana, Other Sports
The Northern Regional Pickleball Association has successfully hosted the 2024 Regional Pickleball Tournament in Tamale, attracting players and sports enthusiasts from across the region.
Led by the Association’s Northern Regional Chairman, Dr. John Stephen Agbenyo, the event aimed to boost awareness of pickleball and foster greater participation among residents.
During the tournament, Dr. Agbenyo highlighted the sport’s rapid global growth and its potential as both a recreational and competitive activity in the region. He urged Tamale residents to embrace pickleball, emphasizing its inclusivity for all age groups and skill levels.
Dr. Agbenyo also announced plans to introduce pickleball into senior high schools in the region, aiming to inspire and nurture young talent. “The future of pickleball in our region looks promising,” he said. “By introducing the game into schools, we are building a strong foundation for youth engagement and creating a pipeline of skilled players for the sport.”
The tournament featured electrifying matches, showcasing remarkable skill, teamwork, and strategy. Spectators applauded the initiative and expressed optimism about the sport’s growth in the region.
Notable results included Reggie defeating Robert in the men’s singles finals and Cynthia triumphing over Posh in the women’s singles finals. Steve secured gold in the junior veterans finals by beating Roy, while Robert and Mark teamed up to win the men’s doubles finals against Harry and Steve.
The Northern Regional Pickleball Association has pledged to continue promoting the sport through tournaments, training programs, and outreach activities, encouraging residents to join the movement and make pickleball a household name in the Northern Region.
by Kelly Eric Ehor | Nov 25, 2024 | Africa, Boxing, Ghana, Other Sports
Theophilus Nii Kpakpo Allotey, popularly known as “Theo Lopez,” delivered a stellar performance to defeat Isaac Aryeetey and claim the National Super Flyweight title on Saturday at the Bukom Boxing Arena. Representing the Pride of Wisdom Boxing Gym, Allotey showcased exceptional skill and determination under the guidance of his coach, Dr. Ofori Asare, fresh from a training camp in the British Cayman Islands.
The victory is historic, as Allotey, a former Ghanaian representative at the Paris 2024 Olympic qualifiers, has become one of the few boxers to win a national title shortly after turning professional. The win extends his undefeated professional record to six bouts, setting the stage for future continental success.
Miss Sarah Lotus Asare, Administrator of Wisdom Boxing Gym, hailed the achievement as a source of inspiration and motivation for the gym’s boxers. She announced plans to celebrate the victory by distributing educational materials to schools and communities.
Allotey secured his triumph with a seventh-round knockout and described it as the start of greater things. While his Olympic journey fell short, he remains optimistic about establishing himself in the professional ranks and aims to become a world champion, crediting his coach as a critical factor in his progress.
Unfortunately, the night’s other headline bouts, including Haruna Mohammed (“Thunder”) versus Jacob Dickson for the national cruiserweight title, and Baubali versus Soldier Boxer for the super middleweight title, were canceled due to the promoter’s inability to meet the Ghana Boxing Authority’s requirements, leaving fans disappointed.
by Kelly Eric Ehor | Nov 25, 2024 | Africa, Boxing, Ghana, International, Other Sports
Ghanaian lightweight boxing sensation Gabriel Coffie is gearing up for a major international bout against Canadian fighter Steven Wilcox (record: 25-4-1) on December 8, 2024. With a professional record of 11-1-2, Coffie aims to make a strong statement on the global stage.
Speaking about the upcoming fight, Coach Randy, Coffie’s trainer from the James Town Boxing Gym, expressed confidence in his fighter’s preparation and determination.
“This is the opportunity we’ve been waiting for, and we are ready to rumble. Winning this fight brings us closer to our ultimate goal: the world title,” said Coach Randy. He emphasized that Coffie has been training rigorously for this challenge and believes the fight will serve as a crucial stepping stone in Coffie’s career.
The team remains optimistic about securing a victory, which would further solidify Coffie’s status as a rising star in the lightweight division.
