The 26^th Ghana Universities Sports Association (GUSA) Games kicks off today on the campus of University of Ghana (UG). The much-anticipated Games dubbed Legon 2020 will end on 19^th January 2020.

The Games is under the distinguished patronage of Professor Ebenezer Oduro Owusu, Vice-Chancellor of University of Ghana. The Game is themed “Integrating Sport into Academia for Youth Empowerment and Development.”

Participating Universities

This edition will witness for the first time ever, eleven (11) institutions compete for laurels at the Hill of Knowledge. The institutions comprise University of Ghana, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, University of Cape Coast, University of Education, Winneba, University for Development Studies, University of Mines and Technology, University of Professional Studies, University of Energy and Natural Resources and University of Health and Allied Sciences. The new entrants at this year’s competition are the Ghana Institute of Journalism and Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration.

Disciplines

Over two thousand athletes from the eleven institutions will compete in Athletics, Badminton, Basketball, Beach Volleyball, Football, Goalball, Handball, Hockey, Netball, Table Tennis, Tennis and Volleyball. Beach Volleyball which was experimented at the 25^th edition, has been adopted as part of the official disciplines. Some talented athletes to grace the field and tracks during the Games include the fastest student athlete in Africa and African Games Champion Benjamin Azamati and 400 meters Bronze winner at the African Games Grace Obour both of UG, Edwin Gadayi of UCC, Neeyi Akesseh of UEW, Kate Agyeman and Rafiatu Nuhu both of UDS.

Grace Obour during the UG Inter-Hall Athletics Championship

Novelties

The Local Organising Committee led by Professor Nana Aba Appiah Amfo (Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Academic and Student Affairs) and her indefatigable deputy Dr. Bella Bello Bitugu together with their team have introduced innovations such as Karaoke and movie nights, live broadcast of football matches, indoor and outdoor games and variety shows. This is to help athletes and officials relax after the day’s activities and also establish lifelong relationships.

The LOC seeks to host a memorable Games which befits the status of a higher learning institution and be referred to as the best organised GUSA Games in the history of tertiary sports in the Ghana.

Opening Ceremony

A very colourful opening ceremony will be held on 6^th January, 2020 on the University of Ghana Main Field at 1pm. The ceremony will be followed by a football match between the host University of Ghana and Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration.

Live Updates on Social Media

There will be live updates on the official social media handles of the Games (Facebook: @Legon2020, Twitter & Instagram: @Legon_2020) and periodic updates on its website www.legon2020.ug.edu.gh and our media partners across the country.