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The maiden edition of the R. C. Ekem Cup which is being organized in honor of Mr. R. C. Ekem, was launched over the weekend, at the Winneba United park, Sankor, Winneba. Mr. Ekem personally performed the launch by kicking the opening ball, and addressing the press. The Chairman of Winneba United, James Kofi Annan, was present at the ceremony. Also present were Mrs. Ekem, Mr. Ekem�s son, Richard Ekem Jr, and several hundreds of spectators, and members of the Saint Paul�s Methodist Church, Winneba. The official opening competition saw the host club, Winneba United, locking horns with Kingdy FC, with Winneba United winning the match by 2:1. In a speech, Mr. R. C. Ekem expressed gratitude for the honor done him, and stated that he never expected to be recognized at this point in his life, and that he had only done his best for his people. He thanked the organizers for the honor, and wished the best team won the trophy at stake. Winneba United is organizing the R. C. Ekem Cup, in honour of Mr. R. C. Ekem, the Managing Director of Ekem Art Pottery Ltd, Winneba. This annual event, which will feature different forgotten heroes each year, will take place on Winneba United Park, located at Sankor, Winneba. This all-play-all football event honors the many contributions Mr. R. C. Ekem has, for over 40 years, made to the civic, business, and religious life of the Winneba community. The match itself was keenly contested, with the home team creating and wasting most of the scoring opportunities, sending the scores to a goalless draw at half time. The second half saw Winneba United wasting a penalty opportunity. A Kingdy defender had been forced to handle the ball in the penalty area, right in front of referee Ebenezer Tetteh. The resultant spot kick was wasted to the disappointment of the teaming crowd that had gathered to cheer the home team. It was not until the 56th minute that Winneba United drew the first blood. Mathew Abiw had received the ball from the center-circle, sending the Kingdy defenders one way, created the needed space, and planted the ball to the left corner of the Kingdy post for the first goal of the day. Kingdy cancelled the lead through a defensive milee as a result of a free kick, creating the way for Humphrey Ankrah to slot the ball at close range for the equalizer. Mathew Abiw scored his second personal goal, and Winneba United winner. Abiw received the ball from Bossman in the midfield, drilled his way through the defenders of Kingdy FC, and in his attempt to shoot the ball, was brought down by the Kingdy defenders. Abiw who elected himself to kick the ball, shot straight into the far corner of the Kingdy posts for the match winner. The launch was a fitting tribute to Mr. R. C. Ekem, who has sacrificially given much over the years to the people of Winneba. It is expected that many more community members will make their way to the Winneba United Park over the next five weekends to enjoy the competition. Upcoming matches include Sun City FC vs. Marynegroes FC on August 15, Kindgy FC vs. Gomoa Soccer for Change on August 16, Sinapi FC vs. Marynegroes FC on August 22, and Winneba United FC vs. Gomoa Soccer for Change on August 23. The top four teams from the qualifiers will advance to the semi-finals on September 5 and 6. The third place match will be played on September 12. First and second places will be determined in the grand finale on September 13. First place will take home 2,000.00 GHc and the R. C. Ekem Cup. In addition, Mr. R. C. Ekem will be presented with 2,000.00 GHc to donate to the church or charity of his choice at the closing ceremony. Further information about the R. C. Ekem Cup can be obtained by visiting www.winnebaunited.org.