The University of Ghana Male Cross-Country Team has won the 26th Ghana University Sports Association (GUSA) Cross-Country Competition. The Competition was hosted by the University of Ghana (UG). The Team thus successfully defended the same trophy they won last year during the 25th GUSA Cross Country hosted by the University of Health and Allied Sciences at Ho.
UG male and female team in a warm-up session before the start of the race
The competition, under the theme “University Sports: Nurturing Resilience, Adopting Technology, Embracing Humanism”, was under the patronage of Professor Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, Vice-Chancellor, UG.
Atheletes from various universities preparing to start the race
UG's Male Team impressively finished the 10km race on a difficult loop course with a total of 60 points securing first place.
A member of UG Male Team advancing in the race
The team led by experienced Ishmael Arthur and Basit Afful were relentless in the pursuit of the trophy. The difference between UG and the other participating institutions was the team chemistry and telepathy.
Speaking to the media after the competition, Ishmael Arthur, a beneficiary of the University of Ghana Policy on the Admission of Athlete Students (UG-PAAS) and the University of Ghana Sport Fund (UG-SF) attributed the victory to discipline, determination, and hard work of the Team. He added that they knew the conditions for the race would be difficult, so they ensured they prepared adequately for it.
(L-R) Ishmael Arthur and Basit Afful speaking to the press
The University of Education, Winneba (UEW), and the University of Cape Coast (UCC) finished in 2nd and 3rd place respectively.
The UG female team improved their position from the previous edition finishing 4th with 127 total points. UCC, UEW, and University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR) placed 1st, 2nd and 3rd respectively.
UG female team (gold and blue stripped outfit) at the start of the race
Alumnus and Coach of Team UG, Akuka Awunime Williams commended his team for their performance and resilience.
"The Team was terrific today. They showed what they are made of. Coming into the competition, we knew it would be tough for us as defending champions. Indeed, the competition for the first spot was keener than last year at Ho. The strategy was to have Ishmael, Basit, and Salifu in the top 5 places and it worked very well. The ladies were impressive too. If you look at the complexities of forming a formidable team and juxtaposing what we saw at last year's outing, it clearly shows it is a work in progress. We will not relent until we get back to the glory days."
Team UG Female athelete finishing her race
Mrs. Lydia A. Nyako-Danquah, Director for Academic Affairs, speaking on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, urged GUSA members to be resilient, innovative, and cost-effective in their respective institutions in the face of global economic hardships and limited resources. She encouraged them to embrace new partnerships and strategies that will foster and boost the search for talents, nurturing, and development of athletes.
Mrs. Lydia A. Nyako-Danquah, Director for Academic Affairs
Also present at the competition were Professor Albert Luguterah, Pro Vice-Chancellor, CKT UTAS, Navrogo; Mr. Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, President of Ghana Football Association; Dr. Austin Luguterah, Head, Department of Physical Education and Sports Studies; members of the UG Sports Advisory Board and Sports Management Committee; Directors of Sports and Sports Chairmen of participating institutions; members of the UG@75 Planning Committee; University officials from sister universities; faculty, students and the media.
UG Male and female atheletes in a group photo after the competition
