Aviation Social Centre in Accra has organized the Ghana's Strongest Man Competition on 2nd September, 2006. This year the show has attracted over 500 audiences from all over the country who could not stay glued to their seats due to the excitement of the event.
NTPowerHouse reporters were there! Here is their report.
From top left: Kofi Wletsu, Sarbah Francis, Stephen Laryea, Albert Abotsi, Gilbert Otoo, Alhaji Sumaila, Leeford Yemo Tetteh, Ike Agyekum, Daniel Onomah and Cyril Adja.
Final Ranking:
1- Cyril Adja
2- Albert Abotsi
3- Stephen Laryea
4- Ike Agyekum
5- Alhaji Sumaila
6- Gilbert Otoo
6- Francis Sarbah
8- Leeford Yemo Tetteh
9- Daniel Onomah
- (withdrawn) Kofi Wletsu
Albert Abotsi, (Second)
from Kaneshie Accra
Stephen Laryea
a.k.a. Warrior, (Third)
from Teshie Accra
Ike Agyekum, (Fourth)
from Adenta Accra
Alhaji Sumaila
a.k.a. Opponent, (Fifth)
from Kumasi
Gilbert Otoo
a.k.a. Banku Dade, (Sixth)
from Latebi Accra
Sarbah Francis, (Sixth)
from Takoradi
Leeford Yemo Tetteh
a.k.a. Cobra, (Eighth)
from La Accra
The starter trigger was pulled at exactly 8:36 am at Aviation Social Centre for the commencement of the competition which started with the Obstacle Race: three different obstacles covering a distance of 1.5 km. The obstacles included 40 kg bags of sand, artillery shells and military logs. These materials were carried along at different stages of the Obstacle Race on the street of Accra along the airport at 37 aviation road. Since it was done in the street, the race attracted the largest audience in the whole competition.
One of the contestants - Kofi Wletsu a.k.a. Cyborg - could not continue the contest shortly after the Obstacle Race. He claimed it was due to personal reasons. The other nine contestants continued and left no stones unturned.
Soon after the end of the Obstacle Race was the Chin-ups at 9:08 am. The contestants were then allowed to eat and rest for a while before the next event. After the meal (banku and other local Ghanaian dishes), the Deadlift started at 10:30 am with 200 kg of weight. The Farmer's Walk followed with 55 kg slab, it ended at 11:55 am.
Bench Press and Log Packing followed soon after the Farmer's Walk. The final and most exciting of all the events that brought the competition to climax was the Truck Pull. Each contestant pulled a brand new Isuzu light duty truck of 5.5 tonnes over a distance of 17.5 metres.
The judges were made up of a couple of fitness instructors from Ghana and abroad. One of the most prominent personalities among them was professional bodybuilder Sam Addo.
The event was covered by the local media such as Ghana's best entertainer K S M of Metro TV and TV3 Network, represented by its sports crew led by the head of sports department.
List of events:
1- Obstacle Race
2- Farmers Walk
3- Dead lift
4- Squats
5- Bench Press
6- Log Packing
7- Tomb Stone
8- Truck Pull
Cyril has constantly impressed the judges in almost all the eight events he contested in.
Sammy Addo had a hard time taking a decision! In fact the event was so competitive that it was difficult for the judges to declare a winner. But finally the youngest, most deserving and most impressive Cyril Adja was crowned the strongest man for the year 2006. Cyril ayeekoo!!!
Cyril received ¢5,000,000 cash and hampers from companies like Tigo, a cellular service provider in Ghana, Gold Arrow, an official sponsor of the event and one-year membership at Aviation Social Centre Gym.
Albert Abotsi received the second place price of ¢3,000,000 and six-month membership.
The third place price of ¢2,000,000 with three-months membership was received by Stephen Laryea aka Warrior
And here are some more pictures for you to enjoy! Click on a thumbnail to see full size picture.
Fitness & Bodybuilding African Style
NTPowerHouse, September 2006
