Lotus Bank Abeokuta 10KM Race: Only Genuine Runners At Finish Line Will Get Medals – Organizer
ABEOKUTA – Organizers of Lotus Bank Abeokuta 10KM Race in Ogun state, Nilayo Sports Management Limited says it would only consider genuine runners who reach the finish line for the medal decoration.
The Chief Executive Officer, NSML, Hon. Bukola Olopade disclosed this on Friday at a media parley with members of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Ogun State chapter.
Olopade noted that, the decision was to improve the discipline of all runners to see the race as competitive and not as fun.
The former commissioner for Youth and Sports in Ogun State expressed optimism that Nigerian runners would give their elite athletes a good run for their money.
Olopade, who is the Chairman, Local Organizing Committee (LOC), National Sports Festival noted that the Nigerian runners are in their best form, saying about 6,000 runners including elite athletes had indicated interest to participate in the race slated for Saturday 28th September, 2024.
He announced that plans had been designed to check cheating during the race, adding that medals would not be presented to athletes that failed to complete the race.
Chief Olopade commended the efforts of the state government towards the development of sports in the state.
The Project Manager, Mr Seyi Johnson who explained that the race would take off from Oloke and terminated at Ake Palace said arrangements had been made to spice up the race with series of entertainments at strategic locations for residents in the state capital.
Mr. Johnson said the said for wheelchair runners would commence at half past six in the morning while that of able athletes would begin at 7am.
In a remark, the commissioner for Sports Development, Mr Wasiu Isiaka gave the assurance that the state government would provide the organizers with the needed support to ensure the race achieve the desired goals.
