The third in the series of Community Pillow Fighting Contests was held at the Bukom Square on Thursday to commemorate the Kwame Nkrumah Day in Accra.

The event drew a lot of people, most of them, kids and youth.

Mr. Emmanuel Olla Williams who was impressed with the attendance urged community leaders to get involved and support such initiatives as they bring entertainment and socialization within the area as well as unearth talents.

He said the Bukom event was really exciting despite the late start and the contestants proved that they have the sporting spirit.

He commended all the participants and rewarded them with gifts for their education and soft drinks.

He noted that Pillow Fighting has come to stay because it is interesting with no injuries and very attractive.

The young female fighters did well to keep the spectators cheering.

Mr. Macaulay, Technical Director of the PFC Ghana said the participants did well but they need training to be technical to gain more points in the fight.

Yours Truly was there to offer morale support and present some of the prizes to be winners.

Winners of the Bukom Contest which include Zakari Kamoko, son of Braimah Kamoko aka Bukom Banku have qualified for the next stage of competition which has a beautiful title at stake.

Other competitions have been organised in Odorkor and Chorkor which were very interesting and well attended.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Since she took over the job, here are her achievements.

Benin  0-3 Ghana  

Ghana  3-0 Senegal  

Ghana  1-0 Senegal  

Guinea  0-3 Ghana  

Ghana  4-0 Guinea  

Rwanda  0-7 Ghana

By Lizzy A. Gyamfi

SUTESCO Old Students To Engage In 60^th Anniversary Walk On Thursday September 21

Old students of Suhum Secondary Technical SHS (SUTESCO) will engage in a Health Walk in Accra on Thursday, September 21.

Aspiring NDC Member of Parliament for Ablekuma West, Rev. Kweku Addo who is chairman of the school’s 60^th Anniversary Committee said they organizing a Health Walk on Thursday, September 21, 2023 from the Dr. Kwame Nkrumah Circle to Accra Academy.

The Walk starts at exactly 6am from the Obra Spot Area to Accra Academy where there would be aerobics, health talk and socializing as well as refreshments.

Rev. Addo who is an Educationist as well as a Real Estate Developer and Proprietor of Oddarene Christian School, at Dansoman said the aim of the Health Walk is to create awareness of living health lifestyles.

He said health is wealth and the people of Ghana need to be healthy and wealthy.

He expressed that the Walk is open to all who want to be fit, “They can just join us from anywhere as we walk to our destination, our goal is to create the awareness and participation.”

He said Ghanaians should live in peace, unity and harmony as well as contribute positively to the socio economic development of the nation.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

The Bukom 2023 PFC Kidz Showdown is on 21st September from 12pm to 10pm at the Bukom Square.

This is an opportunity to search for one young guy to represent Ghana at an interbational event in the USA or Canada.

The Championship is organised by the Pillow Fight Championship in Ghana.

It is a sport fullof fun and excitement.

Mr, Olla Williams, President of the Ghana office said Pillow Fighting is a new sport to entertain people.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

… After Winning National Tour Du Ghana Derbywheel Championship

The five day National Tour Du Ghana 2023 coveted Leader's Jersey sponsored by Pro Keiren powerhouse, Derbywheel was won by Quickstep young roller, Solomon Tagoe.

The final criterium was a heated 10 lap assignment covering a distance of 89km.

Over 60 riders started the Ablekuma event with one thing in mind, to win the ultimate jersey and the subsequent prize money of Gh5000 at stake. Prince Tetteh was very optimistic of maintaining the jersey, hence.

The third lap developed into some lazy attacks on the Pokuase direction until the bend would slow down the humming peloton. No rider allowed his colleague to attack.

The Yellow jersey holder Prince Tetteh was firmly gripped into the middle peloton, seeming to protect his attire.The likes of Isaac Sackey, Joseph Nii Quaye, Maxwell Doku and Michael Naaba were all potential breakaway candidates until the unbelievable happened.

The bunch behaved in such a way that the least expected riders would rather break away. And that was the very sight that saw Victor Cudjoe and Osabutey break off in a flashing manner into the fifth stage.

Five more laps to go and the lengthy bunch had been torn apart by the breakaway duo of Victor Cudjoe and Ebenezer Osabutey of Team Epic.And the relay work between the two, tactically delicious.

It began to drizzle in droplets. But that would not scare the consistency of the breakaway duo. They had maintained a steady cadence output and the communication between the two was exceptional. They knew they had to work together. The distance between the breakaway riders and the entire bunch had expanded to 1min 20sec.

The ambience around the finish area always erupted anytime they cruised past the finish line, and when the white board read 3 laps more, the bunch was still trailing victor Cudjoe and Ebenezer Osabutey of Team Epic. Incredible!

Prince Tetteh, who was supposed to be upfront to be able to effect action on his time , was astonishingly domiciled in the struggling peloton. His yellow jersey needed a lifeline support at this stage.

Perhaps, the Derbywheel Yellow jersey holder was totally oblivious of the fact that his time was hanging on a thin tread. Fellow Quickstep compatriot Solomon Tagoe was closely monitoring the situation. His workrate inside the bunch simply phenomenal.

A lap more to go and it was obvious one of the two  breakaway riders was inevitably going to win this particular stage. And lo and behold the Gutten star, carefully rode in tandem with his colleague, and with some few metres to cross the finish line, he flung his hands on the fatigued shoulders of his colleague Ebenezer Osabutey of Team Epic and finished off in a time of 2hrs 16min 53secs.

Cudjoe had swept the stage win in style and now all the attention would be on whether he would sweep the Yellow jersey or otherwise.

After the entire bunch followed suit, it had been established that the hardworking Quickstep roller Solomon Tagoe had incredibly taken over the Derbywheel flagship Leader's Jersey.

The best fighter or combativity Jersey going for Victor Cudjoe. The Gutten fighter had also swept the Green Jersey signifying the best by Points.

Prince Quaye wore the White Jersey to maintain the best youngest by time.

Inarguably, the best team was awarded to Quickstep, who in any estimation had a fantastic outing in this year's National Tour Du Ghana.

A swift announcement flung through the crowd. And that was when the entire Team of Gutten sprang in ecstasy on hearing the newly crowned Yellow jersey holder Solomon Tagoe had secured a slot and all paid up expenses to participate in the Derbywheel Pro Keiren competition in the United Kingdom later this year.

In the Women and Youth Category, the overall Stage winner went to Reginald Hammond with the overall best by Time going to Farrakhan Shaaban Mohammed of River Park Accra and who is quick establishing himself as a potential replacement for his dad Shaaban Mohammed 's exploits in the game.

Massive credit goes to Derbywheel Pro Keiren for injecting the needed adrenaline into the riders into believing the hope and pride that Derbywheel seeks to bring into the Sport.

Solomon Tagoe's trip to the UK and his subsequent interaction with the Derbywheel initiative stands tall in the annals of Ghana Cycling and Africa as a whole.

Source Ghana Cycling

River Park Eastern Region's young cycling prodigy Farrakhan Shaaban Mohammed has secured the overall youngest best by Time Jersey in the Women & Youth category Road Race and individual Time Trial events at the just ended National Tour Du Ghana 2023.

The newly crowned young Derbywheel Pink Jersey holder maintained a steady grip in the Road Race to sprint ahead of his fellow compatriots, Reginald Hammond, Alfred Acquah, etc.

Farrakhan left no stoned unturned in the initial Road battle to grab a good time to wrap the Derbywheel Leader's Jersey in the second stage to the final stage 5 of the National Tour Du Ghana

The final road race was however a bit bitter for the ambitious wheeler as his fellow nemesis Reginald Hammond pushed him to the third spot, a position that had no effect on the young lad's ambition to maintain his Leader's Jersey kind courtesy of Derbywheel.

Interacting with the media after his podium victory celebration, Farrakhan was highly impressed with the organization of this event, adding it has added more seriousness to the Youth in training.

"I am very happy and enthusiastic about the Bahati Foundation's collaboration, and the MOU with the Ghana Cycling Federation will assist the Youth towards the  upcoming Africa Games in Ghana"- he said.

Farrakhan is optimistic of being part of the Youth Team to feature for Ghana at the first ever World championships in Rwanda and a maiden showdown at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.

Lead sponsor of the National Tour Du Ghana 2023 Derbywheel Pro Keirin's major objective is to give equal opportunities to the less privileged riders who will be assisted through professional Track cycling and Farrakhan Shaaban Mohammed said he want to be one of the top cyclists of DerbyWheel pro Keirin in the future.

Youth development in the Sport is incredibly growing in the country and the exposure of these young lads in this very event gives a brighter impression that come next year in the African Games, Farrakhan and his colleagues will prove their mettle to the rest of Africa.

DerbyWheel Pro Keirin leadership is very happy with the successful organization of the event and has promised to sponsor and assist African countries, Federations and cyclists to their long waited dream in seeing cash in their toils and to work towards a major road map in mounting the podium at the world Cycling championships and the Olympic Games.

Source Ghana Cycling

In match day one of the 2023/24 UEFA Champions League at the Etihad Stadium, Ghanaian winger Osman Bukari notched a goal for Red Star Belgrade against Manchester City.

On the stroke of halftime, Bukari capitalized on an opportunity created by Mirko Ivanic's pass through the City defense, striking the ball past goalkeeper Ederson to open the scoring.

Initially, the goal was disallowed due to an offside call, but upon review, the decision was overturned. This left the European champions trailing by a goal as they headed into halftime.

In the second half, Julian Alvarez swiftly responded, leveling the score just two minutes in. Alvarez continued his performance, scoring a second goal at the hour mark, giving City the lead.

Rodri delivered the final blow in the 73rd minute, securing a third goal for Pep Guardiola’s squad. With this goal, Manchester City, the reigning champions, sealed their victory with a 3-1 scoreline.

Despite Osman Bukari's effort to open the scoring, it was Manchester City's precision and determination that ultimately prevailed in this UEFA Champions League encounter.

footballghana

Paris 2024

The top 150 B-Boys and 100 B-Girls from around the globe will battle it out in Leuven, Belgium, on 23-24 September: at stake will be medals and two quota spots for the Olympic Games Paris 2024. You can catch all the action live on Olympic Channel via Olympics.com and the official Olympics app.

By Lorena Garcia Encabo

The university town of Leuven in Belgium, will set the stage for the 2023 WDSF World Breaking Championship.

On 23-24 September, the 150 best B-Boys and 100 B-Girls will also compete for two quota spots for Paris 2024, one for each gender.

National Olympic Committees hold exclusive authority for the representation of their respective countries at the Olympic Games. Therefore, the participation of athletes in the Games depends on their NOC selecting them to represent their delegation in Paris 2024.

Having made its first appearance at the Youth Olympic Games Buenos Aires 2018, breaking is now making its official Olympic debut at Paris 2024 with a total of 32 athletes (16 men and 16 women) competing in the iconic Place de la Concorde on 9-10 August.

Don't want to miss the live action? You can watch it right here.

How to qualify for breaking at Paris 2024

Is breaking an art or a sport? B-boys and B-girls have the answer

WDSF World Breaking Championship 2023: Stars to watch

The WDSF World Breaking Championship is a closed event, meaning that athletes themselves cannot register. Instead, national federations are responsible for selecting a maximum 2 men and 2 women to represent their country at the fourth edition of the event.

On the women’s side, Japan aim to top the podium once again, as they have in all previous editions. B-Girl Ami will try to defend her crown in Leuven, and 40-year-old B-Girl Ayumi looks to prove why she's considered a breaking legend. They will face tough competition from European champion and world-ranked No.3 B-Girl Nicka of Lithuania, who, at just 14, has established herself as one of the top contenders.

Meanwhile, local favourites B-Girl Mad Max and B-Girl Camine are expected to receive the support of the home crowd.

Canada’s B-Boy Phil Wizard arrives to Belgium as the world No.1 and 2022 World Champ, with Japan's B-Boy Shigekix - runner-up in Seoul in 2022 - closely following him as world No. 2 in the rankings.

Kazakhstan’s B-Boy Amir will be another prominent figure in the breaking scene competing in Leuven.

B-Boy Amir: My unique style in breaking

WDSF World Breaking Championship 2023 in Leuven: Schedule

Times are local (CET)

Friday 22 September

Official training day

Saturday 23 September

12:30 B-Boys and B-Girls Preselection (1 on 1)

15:45 B-Boys and B-Girls Top 64 (1 on 1)

18:45 B-Boys Top 32 (1 on 1)

20:30 B-Girls Top 32 (1 on 1)

Sunday 24 September

12:00 Opening Ceremony

14:00 B-Girls Top 16 (Round Robin)

16:00 B-Boys Top 16 (Round Robin)

18:30 B-Boys and B-Girls Top 8 (Best of 3)

19:15 B-Boys and B-Girls Top 4 (Best of 3)

20:15 B-Boys and B-Girls 3rd Place (3 rounds)

20:35 B-Boys and B-Girls Final (3 rounds)

21:00 Medal Ceremony

Breaking

23 - 24 Sep

Breaking | Olympic Qualifier | World Championship | Leuven - Belgium

Breaking | Olympic Qualifier | World Championship | Leuven

How to watch the WDSF World Breaking Championship 2023

Watch the action live on Olympic Channel via Olympics.com and the official Olympics app for mobile devices. Territorial restrictions may apply.

If you are a breaking fan, do not miss the Olympic Channel Original series Breaking Life.

Olympic.org

Hamidu Abdul Fatawu is so happy to have the opportunity to play for the Black Stars in the last international friendly against Liberia.

For him, it was to prove that there are players in the Ghana Premier League who can play for the nation at the high level if given the chance.

“Once you are gifted to play football, you don’t fear or panic when you get the call up” he said.

Amidu who is currently based in Takwa hopes of playing in Europe which is the dream of every African footballer, but for now his goal for now is to take Medeama to conquer Africa and the Black Stars to redeem their image and become winsome again.

He has a fan base who refer to him as the Maestro.

Hamidu Abdul Fatawu is a defender,

By Sammy Heywood Okine

The North Africans secured five slots, two of them among men and three among women, with an enviable four gold medals thanks to Imane Khelif and Roumaysa Boualam in the women’s 66kg and 50kg categories, respectively

Three Nigerian boxers win gold in African qualifiers, clinch ticket for Paris 2024 Olympic Games

Team Nigeria enjoyed a successful final day at the just concluded Boxing African Olympic Qualifiers in Dakar, Senegal, with six medals won: three gold medals and three bronze medals.

The event, which began on September 9, came to an end on Friday, September 15, with three Nigerian boxers clinching tickets to next year’s Olympic Games in Paris, France.

The trio of Omole Dolapo Joshua, Olaore Olaoitan Adams, and Cynthia Ogunsemilore Temitayo all won gold medals in their respective categories to seal their participation in the Games, while Oyesiji Adeola Omowunmi, Ojo Nene Joy, and Patricia Mbata all settled for a bronze medal apiece and fell short of qualifying for sports biggest event.

Female lightweight boxer Cynthia Ogunsemilore was too hot for Algeria’s Khelif Hadjila in the women’s 60kg event. The Nigeran won by a unanimous decision (5-0) to become the New Champion of Africa and qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

“This is the time for me to shine; this is the time for people to know me; this is the time for me to be the World Champion,” a visibly emotional Ogunsemilore said.

“I’ve started this [boxing] since I was 12 years old, despite it not being in my original plans but my coach and my father have helped me all through the way.

“It is the time for my name to ring in people’s ears, for them to know my family’s name, and I’m very happy and excited,” the new African champions added.

In the men’s 57kg category, featherweight fighter Omole Dolapo outboxed his Ethiopian opponent Leta Fikremariyam Yadesa to become the new African champion in the division by a 5-0 unanimous decision.

Like Cynthia, Olaore Olaoitan overcame another Algerian in Houmri Mohamed with yet another unanimous decision in the men’s 92kg category to become a two-time African champion in the heavyweight division.

The team’s success in Senegal means Nigeria will have representatives in boxing when the Paris 2024 Games kick off next July, as opposed to the 2020 Tokyo Games, where they had no qualified fighters.

afrosportnow