The 11th Biennal COESA Sports festival brought into view a glittering opening ceremony at the Paa Joe Stadium, KNUST on Monday, 21st November 2022.
The ceremony was generously accompanied by Principals, Guests, Dignitaries, contingents, and other well-wishers.
In his address, the COESA President, Alhaji Dr. Sulemana Iddrisu conveyed profound fondness to all the Dignitaries and Invited Guests for seizing time out of their occupied schedules to be present at the 11th edition of the COESA Games 2022.
“Your presence is a clear manifestation of your commitment and seriousness you have attached to youth sports and the development of Youth in Ghana.”, he posited.
Alhaji Dr. Sulemana Iddrisu continued that the theme for the festival, “unearthing sports talents in the midst of a panic: The role of colleges of Education” is very appreciative as COVID-19 has taught them(the world) to look into the future with a determination to turn crisis into opportunities.
The President also asserted sports have evolved beyond mere competition and tournaments, but winning medals and crowing of champions. Adding that, sports has become a huge industry that addresses social, community, and development issues.
Alhaji Dr. Sulemana Iddrisu enunciated COESA sports are intended to inculcate in students desirable cases such as resilience, discipline, tolerance, time management, and networking.
Furthermore, the President made it known that the overriding principle behind the event is not only limited to the celebration of winners but most importantly to foster a strong bond of friendship among students and staff of the college fraternity with the almighty aim of achieving national cohesion and unity.
The President called on the officials to be guided by the spirit of fairness as that is the only means to keep to the motive of the competition as the success of the festival hinges on fair officiating.
He also admonished the athletes to put up their very best as the COESA Games offer them unique windows of opportunities for their skills to be disinterred and nurtured for the sports industry in Ghana and beyond.
“play your heart out, you may be the lucky one to be selected”, he stated.
In climaxing his address, Alhaji Dr. Sulemana Iddrisu cautioned the athletes to stay away from drugs and other enhancers as it has grievous consequences on their talents.
“Please be mindful of the fact that drugs used in sports constitute a grievous offense and therefore attract severe sanctions. Avoid the use of drugs and any other enhancers. Compete at your own very best without the use of drugs. You can do it without drugs and such enhancers”. Dr. Sulemana Iddrisu stated
He, therefore, assured all the athletes, officials, and spectators that adequate security measures are in place to ensure their safety throughout the festival. However, he encouraged them to be conscious of their safety and security as well.
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