GILGIT, Nov 22: Week-long sports activities concluded here on Saturday at Degree College for Women, Gilgit.

A number of games were held including cricket, volleyball, badminton and tug-of-war. The week being a significant period was full of entertainment for the students because for the first time in 34 years, a sports week was held.

Secretary Education, Northern Areas, Ejaz Asad Rasool was the chief guest on the occasion.

Mr Rasool distributed prizes among the position holders of various competitions and winning teams. He appreciated the efforts of the college administration for organising the sports gala which, according to him, would ensure leadership qualities among the students.

The secretary said the Sports Board of Pakistan and local department would fully support women games in the region.

He said the region was endowed with huge untapped potential and its exploration was dire need of the hour. He further stated that from now onwards the principal of Degree College for Women would preside over the women games meetings. He said in the next financial year adequate funds would be earmarked for the promotion of games. He announced Rs10,000 as token of appreciation for the students and said the administration would always patronise healthy activities.

Member of the Northern Areas Legislative Assembly Hafiz Hafeezur Rehman also spoke on the occasion and highlighted the importance of the role played by women in the society particularly for durable peace. He said sportsman spirit called for tolerance and hoped that this activity would bring about better results among the students.

He said three inter-colleges were being constructed in Gilgit city because the present institutions lacked space. He said these colleges would soon be completed, adding that being a public representative, he realised the problems of the students and their parents. He said he would allocate more funds for further development in this sector.