Mfantsipim School and Prempeh College stole the headlines this past week, at a highly competitive and fun filled Ashanti and Central Regional Super Zonals Championships, at the Baba Yara and Cape Coast Stadia respectively. 

The level of talent displayed at the two events has increased calls for a more deliberate and streamlined approach to school sports in the country. 

Speaking on the subject on the Joy Sports Link, Yaw Sakyi, Head of RITE Sports Services, stressed the need to change the negative stereotypes around participating in sports at high school level and admonished heads of schools to view high school education as more than just books.

“If you have a head teacher who is interested in sports, the individual doesn’t only help you succeed but also gets old students to believe in the sporting project and help out.

“Mfantsipim School has a record in this country when it comes to High School basketball - the only school to win the Sprite Ball for three consecutive years. 

“That achievement wasn’t a fluke. Their then headmaster was physically at the events, together with accomplished old students, literally serving water and food to the players. Same can be said for the leadership of St. Augustine’s, with men like Dr. Ndoum leading the charge. 

“There are many stories of teachers who have shown leadership and immense sacrifice in a quest to identify and groom talents. 

“We need to remind headmasters that education is not just about books,” he said. 

Mfantsipim School, with their win, secured a record-equalling 14th title in Central Region’s Second Cycle Schools and Colleges Athletics Competition.