The Ghana Cycling Federation(GCF), in partnership with organisers of the 2023 Aboakyere Festival and the Winneba Sports College has launced this year’s edition of the Aboakyere Festival Race Competion at the Accra Sports Stadium.
The Paramount chief of the Efutu Traditional Council and Chairman for the occasion, Neenyi Ghartey VII was enthused about the inclusion of cycling to other sporting activities such as marathon and tennis to highlight the Aboakyer Festival in Winneba.
The 90km race which is being held as part of festivities for the 2023 Abokyere Festival is scheduled to take place on the 29 April. The competition would commence in Accra through the Efutu Township and end at Winneba. The Cyclists are expected to race a 6.8km distance in 3 laps with each team comprising of three intermediate Cyclists.
Launching the Race, the Omanhene of the Efutu Traditional Area,Neenyi Ghartey VII expressed his delight over the partnership with the Cycling Federation adding that the Event would be used as a platform to encourage youth participation in the sport.
He entreated the Federation to provide all the technical and logistical assistance to ensure fairness and sportsmanship during the race.
On his part, the Director General of the National Sports Authority, Prof Twumasi in his address acknowledged the importance of adding traditional Sporting activities as part of festivals noting that the NSA recognises such sports and has given recognition to two traditional Sports being Draughts and Ampe to operate as a National Sports Federation.
He urged organisers of Festivals to take steps in getting their traditional Sports also recognised under the NSA to aid in keeping Ghana’s traditional Sports alive for future generations.
The Secretary General of the Ghana Cycling Federation, Mr. Shaaban Mohammed in explaining the modalities for the race noted that each cyclist will have a jersey to indicate a win. The first cyclist will spot a Sports College Jersey, the second will have the ‘Visit to Winneba Jersey” whiles the final Cyclist in the last round will wear the “Ultimte Abokyere Jersey”. The Winner will take home cash prizes from sponsors, the Ultimate and Aboakyer Jerseys. He called on corporate bodies to share in the festivities.
Some dignatries present at the Launch are Neenyi Addo-Opam 1, Neenyi Obor Kwesi Atta II, Neenyi Gyan Gyete Gyenkuma Okyeame, Nana Kobina Otuboah 1, Benkumhene.
The rest are Collins Kofi Eduafo-Ag .Technical Director, Winneba Sports College, his assistant, Ambrose Derry and other representatives from the Sports College.