The 53rd Inter-hall Athletics competition which took place at the Athletics Oval, from Wednesday 9th November to Friday, 11th November 2016 ended with an astonishing victory for Commonwealth Hall and Volta Hall who were adjudged the winners for the men and women divisions respectively.
The annual competition, instituted in 1963, is organized by the University of Ghana Sports Directorate and serves as a platform to select athletes to represent the University during the Ghana University Sports Association (GUSA) games.
This year's event was organized under the distinguished patronage of Prof. Samuel Kwame Offei (Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Academic and students Affairs). Unlike previous years which saw less student participation, this year’s event drew many supporters of the various halls teaming up to cheer their athletes up at the Athletics Oval.
Prince Asare Twumasi was adjudged the Access Bank athlete of the games after winning the 400 meters, also helped his team to break a 36 year old record in the men 4 by 400 relay, despite the fall of his baton at the final exchange. In the women division, Jocelyn Assafuah was declared the winner after breaking records in both 400m and 800m races and also helping her team to set a new record in the 4 by 400 relay.
After the three-day event, the Commonwealth-Volta Hall Alliance managed to sweep home all the 3 trophies that were available during the day. With 136 points, Commonwealth emerged first in the men division, whilst University of Ghana Accra City Campus came second with 60 points. Legon Hall, the defending champions took the third position with 51 points. In the women’s division, Volta hall beat their arch rivals, Mensah Sarbah Hall to take the first position with 77 points. With 75 and 68, Sarbah and Akuafo were placed second and third respectively.
Dr. Bella Bello Bitugu, Director of the University of Ghana Sports Directorate, in his closing remarks lauded the performance of the sportsmen and women for exhibiting great sportsmanship. He acknowledged with gratitude, officials of the University for responding to the invitation, as well the crowd of supporters who he said brought life to the event. The Director of Sports was also thankful to Access Bank for sponsoring the event.
