ABEOKUTA – Female runners at this year’s Ogun Women Run will cart home the sum of One million Naira and other consolation prizes.
Also, about 1,500 athletes are expected to compete at the 5km Road Race holding tomorrow, Saturday, in Abeokuta, the Ogun state capital.
Addressing journalists at a media parley with members of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Ogun state chapter on Friday, the Managing Director, Brussels Sports Management Limited, organizers of the event, Seyi Johnson disclosed that winner of the race would be rewarded with a cash prize of N500,000, while 2nd and 3rd runners up get N300,000 and N200,000 respectively.
The race according to him, will be in two categories for young runners and older women of 60years and above.
The older athletes will also be given household items courtesy of Oluwalogbon Electronics of the co-sponsors of the race expected to take off at Sapon and finish at MKO Abiola International Stadium in Kuto
The race will commence with Wheel chair racing at 7:30am before the race proper by 8:00am.
The organizers of the race according to Seyi Johnson, are working on expansion of the race to attract runners outside Nigeria while the kilometer will increase to 10km.
Ambassador of the road race and ex-Olympian, Mary Onyali expressed satisfaction with steady progress recorded by every edition of the race, promising to use her high network of prominent individuals to enhance the status of the competition.
The former Africa record holder in 100m and 200m and Olympic bronze medalist commended the effort of CEO of Brussels Sports Management Limited and Ogun State Government for the successes recorded in the two previous editions, urging other states to emulate by organizing such competition to encourage more women participation in sports.
Meanwhile, the Director-General of National Sports Commission, Honourable Bukola Olopade, has confirmed his readiness to attend the third edition of the Ogun Women Run.
Olopade in a statement by his media aide, Kola Daniel, emphasized the importance of the race, describing it as a significant platform to showcase the abundant sporting talents in Nigeria and one that supports women who are carving a pathway for themselves in sports.
“It is pertinent to attend the 3rd edition of the Ogun Women Run, considering the pool of talents we have in our nation and also the dire need to continue to support women in sports, as data has shown that the pathway has always been more difficult for females.
“Notwithstanding, casting our minds back to international competitions and events in recent times, our women have done the country proud in various sports, winning several medals and accolades. We need to continuously support them as this terrain is not easy, especially for them,” Olopade said.
Olopade admonished organizers to ensure this year’s edition greatly inspires girls to push boundaries, promote healthy living, and contribute to the development of grassroots sports in Nigeria.
