’By: Edwin Gogu
The Directorate of Sports of the University of Business and Integrated Development Studies (UBIDS) has organized its annual Freshers’ Games as part of efforts to scout, develop, and integrate new sporting talent into the university’s competitive teams.
Speaking during the ongoing games, on 7th February, 2026, the Director of Sports, Abdulai Fuseini, explained that the Freshers’ Games serve as a critical platform for identifying promising sportsmen and women among first-year students, who may otherwise be overlooked during general inter-hall competitions.
“As a directorate, every year we scout for talent, and the Freshers’ Games is one of the main avenues through which we select our sportsmen and women,” he said.
The two-day event features a wide range of sporting disciplines. On the first day, 7th February, competitions were held in women’s handball, netball, and men’s basketball. The remaining events include ladies’ basketball, men’s handball, men’s and women’s football, as well as athletics disciplines such as javelin throw, shot put, high jump, long jump, triple jump, and track events including 100m, 200m, 800m, and 5,000m races.
According to Mr. Fuseini, the games are aimed at building a formidable university team ahead of upcoming competitions, including a mini Ghana University Sports Association (GUSA) tournament scheduled to take place in Legon, Accra.
“If we don’t organize this, we cannot properly integrate the first years into the existing team. This process helps us prepare adequately for GUSA and other tournaments,” he noted.
He highlighted the steady progress made by UBIDS in inter-university sports, revealing that the institution has moved from the bottom of the medal table to seventh position in recent competitions, winning three medals after previously returning home empty-handed.
“From nothing, we came home with three medals. This shows improvement. This time, our target is to place fourth or even third. We are not leaving any stone unturned,” he said, acknowledging the stiff competition from larger universities such as the University of Ghana, UCC, KNUST, and UDS.
Mr. Fuseini explained that the Freshers’ Games are organized exclusively for first-year students to give them equal opportunity to showcase their abilities, noting that seniority often limits their playing time during inter-hall competitions.
“This allows us to see them clearly, select them early, and also help the halls identify talent to strengthen their teams, making inter-hall competitions more competitive,” he added.
Beyond competition, the Sports Director emphasized the long-term benefits of university sports, particularly the exposure it offers students at regional, continental, and global levels. UBIDS athletes, he said, participate not only in GUSA Games but also in the West African University Games, All Africa University Games, FISU competitions, and the World University Cup.
“Sports at the university gives exposure beyond academics. You travel, you compete, and you are positioned for greater opportunities,” he said.
He further disclosed that UBIDS offers sports scholarships to student-athletes, covering tuition and supporting their academic and athletic development. According to him, 62 students benefited from sports scholarships last year, with an additional 32 added this year. Scholarship renewal, he noted, is tied to both academic performance and commitment to sports.
“We want to build a whole person, someone who does sports and also takes academics seriously,” he said.
Mr. Fuseini also encouraged prospective students who may not meet all entry requirements to take advantage of the university’s access course, revealing that 19 students admitted through the programme last year successfully gained full admission.
He appealed to corporate bodies and individuals to partner with the university in supporting sports development, commending Hon. Ridwan, the C.E.O of Khard Global for their sponsorship and continuous support of UBIDS athletes and officials.
“Our doors are open for sponsorship and partnerships. Management has been very supportive, and anytime we reach out, they respond,” he said.
The UBIDS Freshers’ Games continue to serve as a vital foundation for talent development, competitiveness, and holistic student growth, reinforcing the university’s commitment to excellence in both academics and sports.
