National Swimming Open Champs Thrills at Legon

The Ghana Swimming Association in collaboration with the National Sport
Authority organized its first National Swimming Open Champs at Legon Pool last
Saturday as part of the swimming meets aimed towards the upcoming National Unity
Games to be held in July, 2011.

The one day Championship witnessed about 100 swimmers from the Tesano Sports
Club, Legon Swimming Team and other individuals who showed versatility in the
Backstroke, Freestyle, Breaststroke and Butterfly.

In all, the enthusiasts competed in the 17 and above, 14 – 16 years, 11 – 13
years and 10 & Under Age groups for all the strokes in the boys and girls
categories.

The young lads, who did events in the 10 & under category thrilled spectators
and swimmers lovers as 4-year old Raofath Radzi, completed the 50m freestyle in
1min, 50 secs.

Ophelia Swayne took the lead in the 17 & above for 50m Backstroke, Breaststroke,
Butterfly and Freestyle followed by Zenobia Addo and Justina Adarkwah of the
Tesano Sports Club.

Kofi Anku set the record for 17 & above men 50m Freestyle with 26.82 secs with
Eliasu Abrama, Atsu Blewundzi, Rhudi Quaye, Joachim Ofosuhene-Wise and Ralph
Quaye following with 27.88 secs, 29.18 secs, 29.19 secs, 29.99 secs and 31.43
secs respectively.

Ralph Quaye of the Tesano Sports Club continued to show supremacy in the 50m
Butterfly as he made the personal best time of 29.76 secs. Joachim
Ofosuhene-Wise won the Men 17 & above 50m backstroke in 38.35 secs.
Winners in all the respective 33 events received a product prize ranging from
swim goggles, swim caps and apparel donated by Puma Store (Accra Mall). Sports
Calendars designed by Sports Unlimited was an addendum prize to all
participants.

The Chief Referee of the event, Mr. B.B. Nettey was very pleased with the
turnout and was hopeful that, the talents exhibited would be honed for future
Olympic Games.

On his part, the Director General of the National Sports Authority – Mr. Wolanyo
Agra praised the Association for staging a successful Open Champs which is a
precedent to the National Unity Games but entreated them to organize another one
for the northern zone in Kumasi in June.

President of the Swimming Association, Hon. Aquinas Quansah who was fascinated
about the kids’ performance reemphasized that, the Association will work hard to
uplift the game to a high pedestal that could compete and win laurels for the
nation in international Games.

The Championship was showcased to create awareness on swimming as a sport and
also as a healthy lifestyle activity. Moreover, it was aimed at testing the
viability of the University of Ghana Swimming pool, which has been earmarked as
the venue for all swimming activities in the National Unity Games.
The Association is very grateful to Volta Realty, Puma (Accra Mall), Inga Farm,
Omanye Energy Drink, BSL, Citi Fm and All Nations University and for sponsoring
the event.

REPORTED BY
Williams Kyei
Secretary General
Ghana Swimming Association
Email: swimming@sportscouncil.com.gh
nanakyei3@yahoo.com
Tel: +233 241 242 616 Williams Kyei
Secretary General
Ghana Swimming Association

Tel : +233 241242616
Email : ghaswimming@yahoo.com, william.kyei@sportscouncil.com.gh
Web : http://sportscouncil.com.gh/nsc_disc_select2.cfm?disciplineID=16