NAN-S-26
Sports
Omu-Aran (Kwara), Dec. 23, 2016 (NAN) The Federal Ministry of Youths and Sports will continue to partner with relevant stakeholders in ensuring the desired grassroots sports development, an official said on Friday in Omu-Aran, Kwara.
Ali Durotoye, a Deputy Director in the ministry, made the pledge while speaking at the maiden mini-marathon sponsored by Skylarks Club of Omu-Aran.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 10-kilometre race attracted no fewer than 120 male and female student athletes across schools in the town.
NAN reports that the marathon event was flagged off at about 7 a.m. at the Federal Government Girls College’s gate and ended at Bareke junction.
Durotoye, also a member of the club, said it is only with such collaboration that the dwindling fortunes of sporting and cultural activities at the grassroots could be resuscitated and transformed.
He said the collaboration would also bring about desired private sector participation in the development of sports at the community level.
Durotoye expressed optimism that next year’s event would attract more officials from the ministry for selection of deserving athletes who could be the country’s future representatives.
“We are not unaware of the abundance at the grassroots level of sports talents which can enhance the country’s participation at continental and global sports arena.
“It is our belief that only with the organisation of this kind of sports event that those hidden talents can be identified.
“We in the Ministry of Youths and Sports are eager to key into such collaboration to develop the sector, in order to achieve the desired aims and objectives,” he said.
The Olomu of Omu-Aran, Charles Ibitoye, in a remark, thanked the club members for their foresight and urged them to maintain the tempo.
He said organising the mini marathon would assist in promoting the desired unity and youth development in the community.
Peter Oyinloye, the President of Omu-Aran Development Association (ODA), said the club’s gesture had further rekindled the hope of transforming the youths for self reliance.
NAN reports that Agboola Abeeb of Government Secondary School, Omu-Aran won the first position in the male category, with a time of 44 minutes 15 seconds.
Adefila Taiye of Omu-Aran High School won the female category’s first position with a time of 55:10.
The first position winners in the male and female categories were awarded with scholarship worth N30,000 each.
All the first 10 winners on both sides were also presented with certificates at the event. (NAN)
ISHO/DS/OLAL
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(Edited by Olawale Alabi)