The Minister of Sports, Honourable Solomon Dalung, has commended the Lagos state government for their efforts in organising the first full marathon in Nigeria after three decades.
He added that the sports ministry is pledging its full support to Lagos state ahead of the 2016 next
edition of the race, which tentatively has been scheduled for February 11.
The minister, who among other dignitaries flagged off the event at Surulere on Saturday said he was surprised at the turnout of people, saying Nigerians are generally sports lovers.
"I believe this is not an accident but a part of the concerted efforts by the Lagos State Government to play a major role in leading sports. The turnout and registration for this event attests to the fact that Nigerians love sports and that all Nigerians need is an enabling environment to express their potentials."
"We are also appealing to corporate organisations to invest in sports so that Nigerian youths can be dutifully engaged and as such, keep them off the streets." Dalung said.
The Acess Bank Lagos City Marathon was won by Kenyan Abraham Kipton, after completing the race in 2hr: 16mins: 19secs and carted away the grand prize of $50,000, while his compatriot, Kipkemboi Hosea, came second at 2hrs: 16mins: 34secs and got a $40,000 prize.
Ethiopian Debebe Tolosa completed the 42 kilometer race at 2hrs: 16min: 40secs to finish 3rd and went home with $30,000.
Ethiopian Halima Huseen was the first female athlete to get to the finish line with a time of 2hrs: 38mins: 32secs; followed by Alice Timbilil of Kenya coming second, to finish at 2hrs: 38mins: 49secs; Aberash Feyase from Ethiopia finished third at 2hrs: 39mins: 9secs.
The Vice President, International Association of Athletics Federation, Col. Hamad Malboum (retd.) thanked the organisers for putting up a sterling show. He assured them that the IAAF would partner with the state to make the marathon the most remarkable athletics event in Africa and in the world.
Lagos City Marathon: Minister Of Sports Commends Lagos State government
Reviewed by Unknown
on
14:51:00
Rating:
Reviewed by Unknown
on
14:51:00
Rating:
No comments: