Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu, sports professionals, enthusiasts, and other well-meaning Nigerians Saturday joined the rest of the world in marking the International Olympic Day Celebration in state’s capital, Akure.

The Olympic Day Run is enshrined in the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) calendar and is organised in Nigeria by the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) – Sports for All Commission.

The event was harmonised with Ondo State National Association For Physical and Health Education, Recreation – Sports and Dance (NAPHER-SD) monthly Keep Fit Exercise.

In his opening remarks before flagging-off the programme outside the Governor’s House Alagbaka, Akeredolu (SAN), represented by the Commissioner for Youths Development and Sports, Hon. Saka Yusuf Ogunleye, emphasised the importance of Sports in nation building and youth engagement.

 “Sports is very dear to our heart in the State and our administration will not relent in engaging our people in sports for health benefits and chosen career for the youths. Most of the youths that have taken career in sports are on the payroll of the state government._ 

 “Sports is a veritable means of harnessing youths’ potentials, channelling their energy in the right direction. Ondo has no doubt bought into the objective of Olympic Day celebration which among other things is to promote sports and values and to cement unity. Once again I congratulate for their participation in the 2019 Olympic Day Run,” the governor said.

The programme took off from the Governor’s Office, as participants sang, walked and jogged intermittently for a distance of over 3km which cut across Alagbaka, Oke Eda, Oja Oba and Old Garage, before the exercise was closed out with an aerobic session at the Ondo State Sports Complex.

Addressing journalists after the event, the coordinator of Sports for All and NAPHER-SD in Ondo State, Otunba Sylvester Ikuejamoye highlighted the importance of the Olympic Day and vowed to ensure the event will not be a one-off programme in the state.

 “It’s a global event and the essence of it is to unite the Olympic family and the spirit of the Olympic, which is all about fairness, love, peace, and coming together. The event shows that Ondo State takes sports and the spirit of the Olympic seriously and it’s gratifying to know from the top (Goverment) to the lowest everyone seems to key into this. Am elated for All that have happened; it’s been a wonderful outing.

 “As a member at the national level I insisted with the support of the state government to have it here. Assuredly, I strongly believe it will be an annual thing at least within the next four years of my duration that I can guarantee you.”_ Ikuejamoye submitted. 

Highlight of the exercise certificate of participation, duly signed by IOC Presisent, Bach was presented to the Governor, Akerdolu and other participants.

Other digniateries that graced the exercise include the General Manager, Ondo State Sports Council, Chief Wande Fabuluje, Permanent Secreatry Sports Minisitry, Mrs Dupe Eshofonie, the Ministry’s DFA, Mr Akinseloyin A.O and Director, Mrs Lebi E. among others.