By JOY AKINSANYA

Mrs Yetunde Olopade, the Chief Executive Officer of Nilayo Sports Management Ltd, has said that no fewer than 3,000 athletes are expected to participate in the annual Abeokuta 10km road race.

Olopade disclosed this to sports writers on Friday in Abeokuta, at a press conference heralding the race on Oct. 3.

She said the race was designed to promote sports development, tourism, healthy living, and economic growth in Ogun.

“The Abeokuta 10km race is more than a sporting competition; it is an opportunity to promote healthy living, tourism and economic activities while showcasing Abeokuta’s rich history and cultural heritage.

‘In this year’s event, more than 3,000 athletes will be expected to participate in this race,” she said.

Olopade said the organisers would give particular attention to Nigerian athletes, following the dominance of runners from Kenya and Ethiopia in road races in Nigeria.

According to her, recent performances by Nigerian athletes has shown the need to create more opportunities for them to compete at the highest level.

“The performances of Nigerian athletes in recent competitions have shown that they need more opportunities to compete and develop their talents,” she said.

The Nilayo CEO said the company would continue to identify and support promising Nigerian athletes to develop their talents and improve their competitiveness.

She noted that the organisers aim to continously elevate the standard of the race to establish it as one of Nigeria’s most respected road-running events.

The Technical Director of the race, Mr Yusuf Ali, said adequate logistics had been put in place to ensure a safe and successful event.

Ali said five water stations would be provided at the starting point, and then 2.5km, 5km, 7.5km and the finish line.

“We have put adequate logistics in place, including water stations along the route, to ensure the safety and comfort of the athletes,” he said.

He expressed optimism that sustained investment and opportunities for Nigerian athletes would improve the country’s performance in 10km road-running.

The Commissioner for Sports Development, Mr Wasiu Isiaka, who was represented by the Chairman of SWAN, Ogun Chapter, Mr Michael Azeez-Ogunsiji, commended the organisers and reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to the success of the race.

Earlier, Azeez-Ogunsiji commended Nilayo Sports Management Ltd. For sustaining the event, saying that the race promotes healthy living, community engagement, tourism, youth development and economic opportunities.

“The race goes beyond a sporting competition; it promotes healthy living, community engagement, tourism and youth development.

“The race is scheduled to start at 7 a.m. from Macjob Grammar School, Onikolobo, Abeokuta, and finish at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena, Kuto,” he said. (NAN)