The 2026 Nadowli-Kaleo District Inter-Circuit Sports and Athletics Competition came to a successful and colourful end at Kaleo, with participants, officials and spectators celebrating five days of sporting excellence, unity and talent development.
The closing ceremony was graced by the District Chief Executive (DCE) for Nadowli-Kaleo, Madam Mary Haruna, who arrived at the sports grounds as the highly anticipated boys' football final between Sombo Circuit and Zang Circuit was underway.
The thrilling encounter lived up to expectations as both teams displayed exceptional skill, determination and discipline throughout regulation time. Despite creating several scoring opportunities, neither side managed to find the back of the net, forcing the contest into a dramatic penalty shootout. In the end, Zang Circuit emerged victorious, sparking jubilant celebrations among its supporters.
Speaking on behalf of the District Director of Education, Mr Michael Kpan praised the organisers for what he described as an outstandingly successful event. According to him, although he had served at the District Education Office for six years, he had never witnessed such a well-organised sporting competition.
He commended the officials, participants and spectators for their dedication and sportsmanship and urged the athletes who would eventually be selected to represent the district at the upcoming inter-district games in Nandom to work hard and return home with honours.
Mr Kpan also reserved special praise for the Chief Executive Officer of the Jawara Foundation, Mr David Jawara Banye, whose generosity played a significant role in the success of the competition.
As the sole sponsor of the event, Mr Jawara Banye donated ten sets of football jerseys and ten footballs to the ten participating circuits. He further provided one hundred medals, ninety-seven certificates and twelve trophies which were presented to deserving teams and outstanding athletes.
Beyond the sporting equipment and awards, the Jawara Foundation hired a public address and entertainment system that kept participants and spectators entertained throughout the event. The foundation also provided refreshments for officials and teachers who accompanied their circuits to the games.
Addressing the gathering, Madam Mary Haruna expressed appreciation to the organisers, officials, athletes and supporters for their collective efforts in ensuring a successful competition.
"There is no winner here apart from the Nadowli-Kaleo District itself," she stated, emphasising the importance of sports in promoting unity, discipline and talent development among young people.
The DCE said she was not surprised by the immense support provided by Mr David Jawara Banye. Describing his generosity as "a disease," she remarked that he was known for always putting the needs of others before his own.
"The Jawara I know can give his last money to someone in need and go hungry himself," she said, drawing applause from the crowd.
Madam Haruna further assured sports officials and athletes of her administration's support as preparations begin for the district's participation in the forthcoming inter-district games in Nandom.
Representing the Jawara Foundation, Mr Francis Angbabora Baaladong conveyed warm congratulations from the foundation to all participants, officials and organisers. He reaffirmed the foundation's commitment to supporting youth development and women's empowerment across the district.
Mr Baaladong assured stakeholders that the doors of the Jawara Foundation remain open and that its CEO would continue to support worthy initiatives aimed at improving the lives of people within the district.
He also announced that plans were far advanced for the official launch of the Jawara Foundation in the Nadowli-Kaleo District.
The event climaxed with the presentation of trophies, medals and certificates to deserving individuals and teams. Nator Circuit emerged as the overall best-performing circuit after dominating several sporting disciplines and winning the highest number of trophies.
The successful conclusion of the games has once again highlighted the importance of sports in nurturing young talents and fostering unity among schools across the Nadowli-Kaleo District.
Dr. Abu Kalaa Abraham
Jun 20, 2026 8:26 amThat was great for our beloved district, and need to be celebrated for the hardwork from both organizers and sponsors Regards