By Emmanuel Afonne
Twenty-two states of the Federation have declared intention to stage the 2023 Olympic Day Run as part of activities to promote the Olympic values of excellence.
A statement issued by Tony Nezianya, the Public Relation Officer of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), listed other Olympic values to include friendship and respect as enunciated by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
“The event has been scheduled to run through one of the NOC Commissions, The Sports–For –All,” he said.
Nezianya listed the 22 states of the federation that have entered to stage this year’s Olympic Day Run to include Anambra, Edo, Bayelsa, Kebbi, Yobe, Kwara, Ondo and Gombe.
Others are Sokoto, Ogun, Osun, FCT, Jigawa, Taraba, Delta, Oyo, Sokoto, Kano, Imo, Nasarawa, Kogi and Borno.
According to Tony Nezianya, the event will be celebrated nationwide in the participating states with the slogan, “Let’s Move”.
“The aim is to encourage people to be physically active for at least 30 minutes a day, corresponding to the minimum time recommended by the World Health Organisation for good health.
“Olympic Day has always been celebrated by our NOC with fanfare nationwide, even though the scope was limited a few years back during the outbreak of COVID-19 Pandemic.
“This year will not be an exception as many states are already preparing to organise the programme in their various States.”
Nezianya also quoted the NOC Secretary-General, Babatunde Popoola, as saying that the remaining 15 states were being expected to declare their interest, as NOC President, Habu Gumel and other dignitaries would flag-off the event.
The NOC encouraged corporate and philanthropic individuals to donate financially or support us with their products given the mileage it would give to the company. (NAN)
