Anambra Sports Boss Hails First Aguata Half Marathon Race
Patrick-Estate Onyedum, Chairman of Anambra Sports Development Commission (ASDC) has called on the people of the state to engage in active sporting activities to enjoy its economic and health benefits.
Onyedum made the call at the first Aguata 21km marathon race held in Ekwulobia town, Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra.
He said athletics was a healthy sports which everybody should endeavour to take part in noting that the idea of marathon as a uniting event in the council was unique.
The chairman commended Chibueze Ofobuike, chairman of Aguata LGA for organising the Marathon while urging him to continue to promote sports at that level.
“Usually what we are used to is during this period is football, football and football, the only difference is the prize which the organisers put down for winners but today we are witnessing a Marathon.
“The turnout is impressive, both young and old but more importantly, i am impressed by the presence of women, mothers who came around to run, I thank them for their effort. I call on other local government chairmen to borrow a leaf front here.
“As the chairman of Anambra Sports Commission, I want to endorse this race because it is in line with what we are doing, which is developing sports at all levels, I want to see more people doing things in other sports just as we have in football,” he said.
The Marathon took off at Ekwuluobia roundabout through Ekwuluobia -Ezinifite- Uga – Nkpologwu communities and terminated at the takeoff point.
First, second and third place winners of the marathon race got N1 million, N500, 000 and N300,000 respectively while the women group got N150, 000 for participating.
On his part, Ofobuike, chairman of Aguata council and organiser of the event thanked partners, participants and dignitaries who graced the event for keying into the programme.
He promised to make it bigger and better subsequently.