By Tilda Acorlor
The Volta Region contributed five of Ghana’s 149 medals at the just-ended 15th African and Para Armwrestling Championship.
The medals were won by five students of Tanyigbe Senior High School, making the school the only institution from the region to contribute to Ghana’s medal tally.
The region secured two gold, one silver, and one bronze medal, while the promoter, Mr. Godson Asem, received a special gold medal for his contribution to the development of armwrestling in the Volta Region.
The medalists are Blessing Amegatse, who won two gold medals in the 65kg Junior category, Ali Bertha, who won silver in the same 65kg Junior category, and Barikisu Ahmed, who won bronze in the 60kg Junior category.
Ghana emerged overall champions with 1,262 points. Benin placed second with 567 points, while South Africa finished third with 245 points.
The success has been attributed to the efforts of Mr. Agbeko Adams, Chairman of Armwrestling Federation in the Volta Region and the Chairman of the Association of Ghana Industries, (AGI) Mr. Dela Gbeve, who have been promoting the sport in schools across the Volta Region.
Mr. Gbeve said the maiden Sports Development Summit held during the 7th Volta Fair also played a key role in the team’s success.
He said discussions at the summit led to the formation of the Volta Armwrestling Team to help develop the sport in the region.
The leadership of the team says the medals will be presented to the Volta Regional Minister and other stakeholders.
The athletes are also expected to embark on a regional tour and engage the media to encourage the young people and interested athletes to take an interest in the sport.
