From Tony Osauzo, Benin
Edo Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, has disclosed intent to participate in this year’s Okpekpe International 10 kilometre race for eradication of cancer, on May 13, 2017, at Okpekpe, in Etsako East Local Government Area of the state.
He announced this in Benin when Managing Director of Pamozi, organisers of the event, Mr. Mike Ituamagbor, led the company’s management team to address newsmen on the preparedness for the race.
“I am running for cancer, I am running that cancer be eliminated. I am sure that one day, the vaccine for the cure of cancer will be discovered,” Shaibu said.
He expressed joy that organisers of the race were taking the issue of doping seriously. “It means that if you are coming, you are coming clean.”
The deputy governor urged other sports to emulate Pamozi and congratulated the organisers of the Okpekpe race for the introduction of App technology.
Earlier, Ituamagbor said Okpekpe marathon is the first labelled race in Nigeria and sub-Sahara Africa, and added that athletes from 11 countries are expected to participate and urged Nigerian athletes to participate in the race to enable them get the label to participate in other international marathons.
Pamozi Director of Organisation, Mr. Zakari Momodu, said transponders have been introduced to the race, to eliminate cheaters, while App technology has also been introduced for online registration of participants. He said athletes are expected to be accredited between May 11 and 12 for the race in Auchi, and added that motorbikes hace been outlawed from the premises of the race.
He also disclosed that an edition of the race for physically challenged persons might be introduced in the future.