The Asagba of Asaba, Prof Epiphany Azinge (SAN), has announced arrangements for the maiden edition of a 10-kilometer Asaba International Road Race, scheduled for October 5. Azinge disclosed this at a media briefing in his Palace in Asaba, on Wednesday, where he made public the event. He said the event would be his community’s contribution to the promotion of grassroots sports in the state and the country at large. He also said that the event would attract long distance runners from within and outside the shores of the country. The royal father said the international road race was expected to showcase Asaba as the fastest growing state capital in Nigeria and Africa to lovers of sports from across the globe. He also said that the event would help to boost economic activities in the city, pushing the rich cultural heritage of the Asaba people to the international scene. He said that the competition would afford the participants the opportunity “to appreciate the monumental infrastructure upgrade, the reign of peace in Asaba and the hospitality of the people”. According to him, the event is one of the ways he intends to brand and push Asaba to global reckoning. Azinge further said that the October 5 date proposed by the Sports Promotion Committee, which he constituted, coincided with his first coronation anniversary. He commended the committee for the speed with which it handled its assignment, and expressed the hope that subsequent editions of the race would meet the international marathon standard of 42 kilometers. In a remark, the Chairman of the committee, Wing Commander Peter Iweze (rtd.), commended the traditional ruler for his love and support for sports development. Iweze assured him of the readiness of the committee to deliver on its mandate. He said the road race would not only attract seasoned long distance runners to Asaba, but also create a clear path to Asaba becoming a sporting hub. He also said that the event would further stimulate the local and state’s economy, with the anticipated influx of thousands of participants from within and outside the country. Earlier, the Consultant for the race, Dr Moses Nwanze, highlighted some of the activities lined up for the event to include a display of traditional clothing and artifacts, among others. He said the race would commence from the Stephen Keshi Stadium or St. Patrick’s College, through Anwai Road, Summit Road, Mariam Babangida Way, Okpanam Road, terminating at the Cenotaph. Nwanze, who is a member of the Planning Committee, said that cash prizes would be presented to all the athletes at the end of race. He emphasised that registration for the event would be free of charge. (NAN)
Preparations underway for maiden Asaba 10km race
