Great James Foundation has emerged champions of the 3rd edition of Dawn of the Orphanage, toppling two-time winners Chosen Home in a thrilling finish at the Dansoman Zulka AstroTurf on Friday, May 1, 2026.
The Chorkor-based orphanage tallied 33 points to edge out Chosen Home, who finished second with 32 points. Debutants Open Heavens announced themselves with a strong 31-point performance to claim third.
Organized by Functional Sports League Ghana, the one-day event tested athletes across five disciplines: Endurance, Bodyweight, Strength, Power, and Mixed events.
FSLG President Charles Owusu Ansah praised the growth of the competition and highlighted Great James Foundation’s journey.
“Last year they came third. That tells me they went home to prepare, because all the competitors have been training for the past three months nonstop. They were determined. They came to win, and we all saw that they have won,” he said.
“I’m hoping they can defend their title, because they took it from Chosen Home who won twice. You could see Chosen Home are not happy. I know they’ll go home and do their homework. Next year will be bigger and better.”
Ansah said the vision behind Dawn of the Orphanage is to shift public perception and unearth talent.
“From the beginning, it was very challenging. In Ghana, when people haven’t seen something done, convincing them to come on board is always difficult. But God being so good, this third edition is an improvement on the second. And we’re hoping the fourth will be even bigger.”
“There are so many orphanages out there. We want to bring them to the limelight. We want to tell the public it’s not only about donations. These kids have potential. They have talents. We believe when we go in there and fish them out, we can place them on a pathway to a future in sport and a future career.”
The league plans to scout the best performers for long-term grooming and international competition. “We are going to select the best out of these children, groom them, and prepare them for international competitions. We’re hoping we’ll get the necessary support,” Ansah added.
Winners were rewarded by headline sponsor Forte Commodities, with support from Neurkies Hub, Electroland Ghana Limited, AppZone, Erata Motors, Simplicity Brands, and Amazing Grace Travel and Tour.
Forte Commodities CEO Nana Opare explained why the company backed the initiative from year one:
“I remember about three years ago, Charles Owusu Ansah shared this vision God had laid on his heart with me. It’s not common. Usually when people think of support for orphanages, it’s relief. But the vision God gave him was to start this program as a way of building the kids through skill training.”
“I thought, this is unusual. We don’t have this in Ghana. So we supported him for the first year, and it was a success. He came again for the second year, and today we’re here witnessing the third.”
Final Standings – Dawn of the Orphanage Season 3:
- Great James Foundation – 33 pts
- Chosen Home – 32 pts
- Open Heavens – 31 pts
