The newly launched Prince Adewole Adebayo Christmas Marathon in Ondo has garnered praise for its impact on both sports and tourism.
Solomon Dalung, former Minister of Sports, commended the event, highlighting its potential to elevate Ondo’s tourism scene and draw attention to the state.
Dalung, alongside former Minister of Power and Steel, Olu Agunloye, graced the event, which saw participation from athletes within and outside Nigeria, including several from Kenya.
Dalung emphasized the significance of the marathon, stating that it could pave the way for more visitors to experience the beauty and culture of Ondo.
“We will support efforts that bring glory and honor to the kingdom,” he added, recognizing the event’s success and its potential for long-term growth.
Prince Adewole Adebayo, the event’s initiator and a prominent figure in the Social Democratic Party (SDP), encouraged Nigerian youth to embrace sports as a powerful means of escaping boredom and poverty.
Reflecting on the marathon’s goals, Adebayo expressed his belief in the transformative power of sports, music, and entertainment to turn individuals into stars, even within a single generation.
He added, “Sports help reduce poverty and instill discipline, and anyone who can run a marathon is a disciplined person.”
Looking to the future, Adebayo shared his vision of making the marathon a permanent fixture on Nigeria’s sporting calendar, with the hope that it will gain recognition from the International Olympic Committee.
“This will be a regular occurrence,” he said, stressing that such events could flourish with or without government assistance. The marathon is set to become an annual event, taking place on December 30 each year.
The winners of the marathon were awarded generous cash prizes: one million naira for first place, five hundred thousand naira for second place, and three hundred thousand naira for third place.
Consolation prizes of fifty thousand naira were also given to other participants.
The athletes were later celebrated at the Ondo Kingdom palace by the traditional ruler, Oba Adesimbo Victor Kiladejo Adenrele Ademefun Kiladejo, Osemawe of Ondo Kingdom, where they were honored with garlands.
Join us next year for the Prince Adewole Adebayo Christmas Marathon! Stay tuned for updates and be part of this exciting sporting tradition.
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