Empower Playgrounds Inc., a renowned non-profit organization dedicated to promoting education through sustainable energy, successfully organized the maiden inter-island school sports competition for basic schools in the Ada East district.
The event, held on Friday, June 28, 2024, brought together four basic schools from the island, including Alorkpem D/A Basic, Pediatorkope D/A Basic, Aflive D/A Basic, and Tuanikope D/A Basic.
The competition aimed to uncover potential talents and create a serene learning environment through sports.
The event witnessed some mouthwatering pairings and results in both football and volleyball
Aflive D/A Basic emerged victorious in the U13 boys football final, beating Tuanikope D/A 3-1 on penalties after a 0-0 stalemate in full-time.
Alorpkem D/A Basic lifted the U15 boys trophy after beating Pediatorkope D/A Basic 3-1 on penalties.
In the U15 boys volleyball final, Pediatorkope D/A Basic edged out Alorpkem D/A Basic 3-1, Alorkpem U15 girls also emerged victorious in the volleyball competition after walloping Pediatorkope 2-0 in the finals.
Both U13 and U15 winners of the various disciplines received decorated trophies as prizes.
As part of the sports developmental processes, Empower Playgrounds also presented quality balls to the Island sports circuit to enhance its activities.
The circuit sports secretary, Albert Nene Agudey Korletey, in an interview with AccraDailyPost expressed gratitude to Empower Playgrounds, saying, “We are grateful for this life-changing initiative. Empower Playgrounds has brought a new level of excitement and enthusiasm to our students, and we look forward to more support to ensure the total promotion and development of sports and talents within the island.”
Mr. Samuel Awuku, the headmaster of the Alorkpem D/A Basic school, commended Empower Playgrounds for their programs and initiatives, highlighting the positive impact on their school and students.
“Empower Playgrounds have supported us in many ways by giving us quality solar panels for studying in the night and installed playground system (merry-go-round) for the student which generates electricity to power lanterns for learning. They also gave us free computers including wifi with an already installed learning and teaching materials.
“These are some of the initiatives we need, and I want to thank them for that. The teachers and everybody here is enjoying courtesy Empower Playgrounds.” He expressed.
Bradley Holt of the Utah State University who is currently on three months internship with Empower Playgrounds also participated in the football event.
The 1-day event led by Richard Koomson, a program associate at Empower Playgrounds was a resounding success, providing a platform for young talents to shine and promoting an active lifestyle among students. Empower Playgrounds Inc. continues to make a positive impact in various communities, empowering students to reach their full potential.
Empower Playgrounds has also outlined plans to hold the inter-island competition annually, with the goal of increasing enrollment and keeping students engaged in their studies rather than resorting to river work.