Accra Welcomes Africa’s Best For Senior Athletics Championship
The 24th edition of the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) Senior Athletics Championship was officially launched on Monday night with a colourful opening ceremony at the University of Ghana Stadium in Legon.
The championship will run from Tuesday, May 12 to Sunday, May 17, with over 800 athletes from 49 African countries set to compete in more than 40 events.
Top officials present at the ceremony included Ghana’s Minister for Sports and Recreation Kofi Adams, Chief of Staff Julius Debrah, President of the Ghana Athletics Association Bawah Fuseini and World Athletics president Sebastian Coe.
Hon. Kofi Adams described the competition as a gathering of one African family united through sport in his address. “We have gathered here under one sky and under one flag of excellence,” he said while encouraging visitors to experience Ghanaian culture and hospitality during their stay.
Sebastian Coe also praised the growing influence of African athletes on the global stage and highlighted recent successes by competitors from the continent especially Sebastian Sawe who recently smashed his own record and set a new one at the London Marathon.
Music And Culture Add Spark To Ceremony
The opening ceremony also featured performances from Ghanaian artistes Ayigbe Edem and Stonebwoy, who entertained fans with energetic performances.
Popular dancer Afronita and her team also thrilled spectators with an impressive dance display.
Competition officially begins at 9am on Tuesday at the University of Ghana Stadium as Africa’s top athletes battle for continental honours in Accra.