Shaibu  Leads over 200 Runners to Observe 2023 Olympic Day Run

Adibe Emenyonu  in Benin City

The Edo State Deputy Governor, Mr. Philip Shaibu, yesterday led over 200 team of participants, including officials of the state’s Sports Commission to observe the 2023 Olympic Day Run.

The deputy governor, the Permanent Secretary to the Sports Commission, Mrs Sabina Chikere and other senior officials defied the early morning rain to participate in the international sports event.

The Olympic Day Run exercise started at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium at about 8:00 AMas the participants ran through Akenzua Road, Plymouth Road, Ring Road and Oba Market Road through Ekehuan road and later rounded off at the same Samuel Ogbemudia stadium in Benin City on Saturday.

The annual event which was organised by the state Sports Commission attracted  participants that included sports loving children and adults who ran through routes of Stadium road; Akenzua Street; Plymouth road; Ring road; Oba Market Road in Benin metropolis.

Delivery the message of the President, International Olympic Committee (IOC) Thomas Bach, the state deputy governor, Philip Shaibu, highlighted the benefits of sporting activities to include mental and physical health for humans, urging the people to spare time for sporting activities daily.

He pointed out that the event was set aside globally to celebrate the Founder of the Olympic Day Run Baron Pierre de Coubertin, maintaining that Edo State could not have been left out in the celebration.l

He said: “Today, we are remembering the creation of the Olympic Day Movement with the theme “Let’s Move” by its Founder, Baron Pierre de Coubertin, who wanted to make the world a better place through sports.

“This is why the Olympic Day run is always a perfect opportunity to get up and  move. When we do sports , it keeps our mind and body stronger and healthy. 

“When we do sports, it inspires us to always put in our best and it gives us joy, and  brings us together.

 “This is the beauty of sports. It inspires the world to move and it brings us all together as friends, community, no matter where we are from, and how we choose to move.

“Sports is synonymous with good health. And when you are mentally and physically fit, your productivity will be high. 

“The more healthy we are the better our productivity and the better the growth of our country.

“So, as we celebrate this year’s Olympic Day, I want to urge all of us, no matter how little it is, just take a walk round your house, do some exercise and when you do that, your health obviously will improve.

 “In this Olympic spirit, I wish you a wonderful Olympic Day celebration and I say let us all move”, he said.