The Sakumono Skating Club, under the auspices of the Ghana Skating Association, hosted the 5th Edition of the Sakumono Skating Games on Saturday, December 21, at the Sakumono SSNIT Flats Enclave Car Park.
The event attracted ten skating clubs from Cape Coast and Accra, including Wonderland from Mamobi, Swat from Ghana Police, Zion and Sakumono from Sakumono, Liberty from Michelle Camp, Bladers from Cape Coast, Tema, Unity, and others. Over 100 young skaters, aged 2 to 18 years and above, competed in various categories for boys and girls.
Speaking at the event, Ernest from the Sakumono Skating Club expressed excitement over the increased participation; we are excited because the number has increased from 3 clubs to about 10 this year, and this tells you that we are growing, and it is becoming bigger. We are using skating to develop values and instill skills in the youth. I am excited because these young ones are having the opportunity to compete with their colleagues, and through this, we might see the next Olympian.”
A mother whose three daughters competed and won medals shared her thoughts: “This annual event brings the whole community together, so I encourage parents to bring their kids to learn and grow their skills. Just like every profession or occupation, there are hazards, but with the right protection materials, the skaters are safe when skating.”
The President of the Ghana Skating Association, Mr. Johnson Gameli Kportufe, praised the quality of the games; what you are witnessing here is of international standard, and the skaters are doing well. The majority of them have improved from the previous edition, and I know with the right facilities and support, Ghana will perform well on the international stage. “We recently had some of our skaters participate in the World Skating Football Championship in Turkey, and they came home with bronze medals. We call on corporate bodies and organisations to support us to grow the sport together.”
Some executives of the Ghana Skating Association were also in attendance: Godfrey W. Amarteifio, Vice President, and Prosper Ashiquaye Doku, General Secretary, further gracing the event and lending their support to the sport’s growth.
