Sankofaonline Sports News Desk
The Volta Region South Zone Schools and Colleges Sports Association is ushering in a vibrant season of youthful energy and athletic excellence as the 61st Annual Inter‑School Sports Festival unfolds from Sunday, 1st March to Saturday, 7th March 2026. Hosted jointly by Anlo Senior High School (ANSECO) and Zion College (ZICO), this year’s festival promises a spirited blend of competition, camaraderie, and generational pride.
The Association extends heartfelt appreciation to God Almighty and to all dignitaries who have carved time out of their demanding schedules to grace both the opening and closing ceremonies. As captured in the programme, “we render our sincere thanks and gratitude… for helping to give logistic and financial support towards the success of the festival.” Their presence underscores the value placed on nurturing discipline, teamwork, and talent among the youth of the South Zone.
Under the joint patronage of Mr. Newman H.K. Dziedzoave, Headmaster of ANSECO, and Ms. Nutifafa A. Kwawukume, Headmistress of ZICO, and chaired by Hon. Wisdom Bondue Seade, Municipal Chief Executive for Keta, the festival brings together ten schools competing across athletics, soccer, volleyball, basketball, handball, netball, table tennis, and cross‑country. The week-long programme is packed with early‑morning drills, intense group-stage battles, and evening lights-out routines that keep athletes focused and disciplined.
From the opening soccer clashes, ZICO versus TSIAMESCO for the girls and ANSECO versus AFIASEC for the boys, to the crescendo of finals on Saturday, 7th March, the festival is structured to test endurance, skill, and school pride. Athletics events follow international standards, with no points awarded for heats and strict adherence to IAAF rules. Ball games adopt all‑play‑all formats leading to knockout stages, ensuring every school earns its moment on the field.
Behind the scenes, a formidable team of coordinators, referees, judges, timekeepers, first-aid personnel, and school representatives ensures the smooth running of the tournament . Their dedication,often unnoticed, is the backbone of this annual tradition. The presence of the ANSECO Brass Band, errand teams, and the Jury of Appeal adds colour, order, and fairness to the competition.
The climax on Saturday features the cross‑country race at dawn, followed by the girls’ and boys’ soccer finals, inspection of teams, the declaration of results, and the presentation of trophies and certificates. As the festival song reminds the youth, “We shall fight and sweat for victory in the name of Ghana.” It is a call to excellence that echoes through every sprint, jump, pass, and goal.
As contingents prepare to depart after a week of spirited competition, the South Zone once again affirms its commitment to grooming disciplined, confident, and united future leaders through sports.
The full program lineup has been provided below for your reference:
