Koforidua, Feb. 16, GNA - A student of St. Paul's Senior High School (SHS), Osei Kwaku who represented the Kwahu South District run a good race to win the Eastern Regional cross country competition with a time of 0. 42.31.

The event was organised to select a regional team to represent the region at the National cross country championship to be held in Sunyani later in the year.

Mathew Tordzro of Koforidua Polytechnic who run for the New Juaben Municipality came second with a time of 0.44.46 while Tei Narh of Abetifi Technical Institute in Kwahu East District, came third with a time of 0.44.55.

After the event eight male athletes were selected to form the core regional team out of which six would finally be selected to represent the Region at the championship.

Those selected include Eric Tetteh of Kade SHS from the Kwaebibirem District, Joseph Tetteh of New Juaben Secondary Commercial SHS representing New Juaben Municipality, Fred Opoku of Akwatia Technical Institute from the Kwaebibirem District and Raphael Akorli of St. Thomas SHS representing West Akim District.

In the girls division, Joana Kafui Boadi of Kade SHS, a representative of the Kwaebibirim District came first in a time of 0.43.33 followed by Priscilla Kyeraa of Osenase Catholic Primary in the West Akim District at the second position with a time of 0.45.02.

Vivian Mawuko of Asaman Presbyterian "A" Primary School also from the West Akim District came third with a time of 0.45.19.

Other athletes selected into the regional team include Victoria Tetteh of Begoro Presbyterian SHS from the Fanteakwa District, Felicia Boadu of Akroso SHS in the Birim Central Municipality and Selina Sackey of Begoro Presbyterian SHS also of the Fanteakwa District.

The cross country race saw 24 males representing the various Districts in the Region taking part in the men's 12-kilometer race while 15 girls took part in the women's eight kilometre race.

The Eastern Regional Minister, Mr Samuel Ofosu-Ampofo, in an address challenged the athletes to give of their best in the various competitions. Mr Ofosu-Ampofo reminded the athletes that sports has many avenues that can open many "gates" for them if they excel in their training and therefore urged to be dedicated to their training to win laurels.