35th Basic Schools Sports Festival: MoE pledges stronger support for school sports, talent development

The Ministry of Education has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Physical Education and school sports as the 35th Edition of the Inter-Regional Basic Schools Sports Festival gets underway in the Greater Accra Region.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Deputy Minister for Education, Dr. Clement Abas Apaak, said government would continue to invest in sporting infrastructure, improve teacher capacity and create more opportunities to identify and nurture young sporting talents.

“We shall continue working to improve sporting infrastructure, enhance teacher capacity, provide opportunities for talent identification, and create pathways for our young athletes to excel at continental and international levels.”

Dr. Apaak said sports remain an important component of education and play a critical role in the holistic development of children beyond academic achievement.

“The Ministry of Education firmly believes that quality education must develop the whole child — academically, physically, socially, morally and emotionally.”

He said participation in sports helps young people develop important values and skills that prepare them to become responsible citizens and future leaders.

“Through sports, our children learn discipline, respect, perseverance, teamwork, resilience, leadership and fair play. These are qualities that prepare them not only to become successful athletes, but responsible citizens and future leaders of our country.”

The 35th edition of the festival has brought together young athletes from Ghana’s 16 regions under the theme, “35 Years of Sporting Excellence: Shaping Disciplined Leaders, Inspiring National Unity and Building Future Champions.”

Dr. Apaak expressed confidence that the competition could uncover talents capable of representing Ghana at major international sporting events.

“Many of Ghana’s greatest sporting legends first demonstrated their talents on school playing fields exactly like this one. Among the participants gathered here today may well be future Olympians, African champions, Commonwealth medallists and world-class athletes who will proudly fly the flag of Ghana.”

He also commended teachers, coaches, officials, volunteers, sponsors and other stakeholders for their contribution to nurturing young talents and sustaining school sports.

Dr. Apaak urged the participating students to compete with discipline and sportsmanship, stressing that the value of the festival extends beyond winning medals to building character and promoting national unity.