Edo state Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole says his administration will kick-off its age-grade competitions to groom new stars and promote unity in the State.
The Governor said this, on Saturday, after taking part in over 16-kilometre race in 2redidents hours, 35 minutes as part of events to mark the year 2010 Olympic Day Run.
Governor Oshiomhole who stunned athletes and other residents of the state capital by surpassing the 6-kilometre race that was initially planned, said his administration is perfecting plans to re-introduce grassroots sports to groom new world stars across the eighteen Local Government areas of the state.
The Governor led the athletes from the Ogbemudia Stadium through Akpakpava Street to Murtala Mohammed Road, to Sakponba Road back to the King Square and then to Upper Mission road to New Benin Market through New Lagos Road to Lawani Street, Plymouth Road back to the Ogbemudia Stadium.
As the Governor ran, athletes chanted until they were out of breath. Many Commissioners and Special Advisers who started the race dropped along the way.
Brief stops were made for water, while the race was dotted with short walks for the comrade and athletes to catch their breath and on three occasions to inspect bad roads and on-going projects.
After the race, the Governor boasted, and rightly so, that age is only a function of the mind.
The Governor who went on to inspect the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium football pitch overlaid with FIFA turf told newsmen in an interview that he was spurred towards the permanent pitch to put an end to the millions being spent on re-grassing the stadium and as well raise the stadium to international standard.
He also promised that his administration will ensure that Local Governments complement the State Government’s efforts in sports development.
Peter Okhiria,
CPS to Edo State Governor,
Monday 19th July, 2010.
08023145286, 07030508268.
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