Noah Wumboriche from Mampong and Abigail Bugri of Jachie emerged star athletes on Saturday, at the 2023 Ashanti Regional Cross Country held at Ahafo Ano South West, Mankranso.

The Ashanti Regional Directorate of National Sports Authority (NSA) organized a regional 8km Cross Country on Saturday, February 11, 2023 to select the best athletes to represent each region in the upcoming 2023 National Cross Country to be staged in the Northern Region.

About 400 male and female athletes including officials were drawn from all districts of the Ashanti region to participate in the race, which started from Abodease village and ended at Wioso in the Ahafo Ano South West constituency.

All the athletes put up a spirited performance on the day to achieve qualification for the major long-distance race; which is the national competition scheduled for 25th February 2023 in Savelugu in the Northern Region.

In the end, Noah Wumboriche from Mampong won the men’s race in a time of 25.17.68 while Abigail Bugri of Jachie emerged winner in the female category when she clocked a time of 29.12.31.

9-year-old Salamatu Sulley from Anyinasuso D/A Primary School was the youngest female athlete, and she was recorded amongst the best 40. 14-year-old Lawel Kokia from Abodease D/A JHS also became the youngest male athlete.

Results for 40 athletes were recorded with 12 male and female athletes (6 for each category) from the region set to be selected from each category to continue preparation towards the 2023 National Cross Country competition.

After the race, all the athletes converged at the forecourt of the Assembly Building in Mankranso where the winners were awarded.

Director General of NSA, Prof Peter Twumasi, who was the special guest during the competition was fascinated with the grit and excellent display by all the athletes.

He encouraged the selected athletes to stay committed to their routine training program, to ensure, they are well polished and prepared for both national and international events.

The NSA boss was in the company of DCE of the District, Hon Bonsu Frimpong, Ashanti Regional GES Director, Dr Appiah Amankrah, Ashanti Regional Director of NSA, Mr Emmanuel Appiah, chiefs and Assemblymen of the constituency.