From Bakah Derick in Bamenda
The Bamenda central prison for slightly above a month
witnessed an exceptional practice of football as inmates participated in the
Yong Francis Memorial football trophy. Launched on the 19th of
November 2015, the unique football competition featured teams like pathfinder,
Bamenda FC, Shooting Stars, Bamboutos FC. Under the supervision of TIWA Jonas
Chief superintendent of the Bamenda Central Prison and coordinated by Prison
warder Agbor who is in charge of extracurricular and leisure activities at the
prison, Bamboutus FC and Bamenda FC qualified for the finals.
Playing the finals Wednesday December 30, 2015 Bamboutos FC
with a fan base in prison typical of the Bamboutos FC of the elite One in
Cameroon thrashed Bamenda FC seven goals to two to grab the coveted trophy.
Speaking during the launching ceremony Yong Jacque on behalf
of the Yong’s family noted that continuing what their late father Bobe Yong
Francis loved doing was imperative. “We will like to keep the legacy of our
father. He loved doing this and that is why we are here. It is also important
that we consider those who do not have the freedom we have and to spend some
time with them so as to assure them of our love and support.” He said.
At the closing ceremony attended by the administration of the
Prison, Mezam division and Bamenda I subdivision, Yong Afumbom speaking for the
Yong’s family indicated that being in prison was just a stage of life and not
for long their will gain their freedom. While wishing them a happy new year Afu
as he is fondly called encouraged edged the inmates to be well behaved and
respectful.
The highly animated and colourful finals came to a close
with award of prices to best participants in the different competitions that
made up the trophy like the egg race, thread and needle and football.
