In commemoration of the 2024 World Olympic Day, the governor of Ondo state, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, on Saturday, led top government functionaries, athletes and residents on an endurance trek within the city of Akure.
The Olympic Day was introduced in 1948 to mark the birth of the modern Olympic Games on June 23, 1894, at the Sorbonne in Paris.
Represented by his deputy, Dr Olayide Adelami, the governor led others for the Olympic Day run that lasted about forty minutes, from the government house ground in Alagbaka, through Oba Adesida road to the Ondo state sports complex in Akure.
Addressing the gathering, the governor restated his administration’s commitment to youth and sports development, highlighting the place of sports in national unity.
He said the government has embarked on a total overhaul of sports facilities across the state.
According to him, “The contract for the upgrade of Ondo state sports complex in Akure has been awarded to a reputable contractor to enable the facility meet international standard, other stadia in Ondo, Ikare, Ile-Oluji will also be awarded soon to meet our needs across the state”
In the same vein, the governor said efforts are going on to award the contract for the new stadium at Araromi street in Akure in order to decentralize sporting activities in the already over-stretched Ondo state sports complex, and enhance sports development in the state.
In his welcome address, the state commissioner for youth and sports development, Saka Yusuf Ogunleye, said the sustainability of the event was a clear indication that sports is a veritable instrument for the promotion of global peace.
Representative of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, Sylvester Ikuejamoye, noted that sports keep the mind and body strong and healthy. He urged the people to endeavor to exercise regularly.
Highpoints of the event was a short display by three Guinness world record holders in rope skipping and presentation of certificates to the governor, speaker of Ondo state House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Olamide Oladiji, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Prince Segun Omojuwa and others
