Bayelsa State on Saturday joined the rest of the world to celebrate the 2024 Olympic Day ahead of the Olympic games in Paris, France tagged “Paris 2024” which is slated from 26th of July through the 11th of August.
The Olympic day run which started from Ekeki park and terminated at the Samson Siasia Stadium had participants of over 200 athletes.
Bayelsa State governor, Senator Douye Diri represented by the commissioner for Sports Development, Chief Daniel Igali, highlighted the enduring values of Olympism and the power of sports, stating that the Olympic day run reinforces the global community’s commitment to the principles of excellence, friendship, and respect.
Chief Igali noted that the 2024 Olympic Day celebration is a global event that has continued to resonate throughout the world as the Olympic spirit encourages love, participation, competition, and strong bonds among individuals and countries.
President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, Habu Gumel, represented by Mr. Patrick Ibeh said the essence of the day was to build bridges and bring people together in peace and solidarity, maintaining that the 2024 Olympic games would witness an unforgettable celebration of joy.
He explained that this is the first Olympic Games with full gender parity, which aligns with the NOC’s agenda, and reassured sports enthusiasts that the athletes would inspire the nation and admirers.
Earlier in an address of welcome, Director of Sports, Bayelsa State Sports Council, Sir Braveman Wodi noted that the day was targeted at engaging exercises, promoting health and fitness for all, jogging and walking to burn calories, tone up muscles to shape the body and help de-stress the mind.
He asserted that the Olympic Day event was not a competition to win prizes, but to serve as a reminder that exercise holds a lot of promise in helping mankind to stay healthy through sports as a way of life, pointing out that the sports council would continue to dwell on the path of prosperity.
According to him, Bayelsa in the last four years of the Prosperity administration has become title contenders in any competition both in national and international events which is as a result of the dedication of the athletes and coaches in the State.
The highpoint of the event was a presentation of certificates of participation to all participants as well as an exhibition game from the athletes in Karate, Boxing, Gymnastics, Langa and Wrestling.
In attendance were chairman Sports Committee on Sports, Barr. Tare Porri, Permanent Secretary Ministry of Sports Development, Mr. Grace Alagoa, Permanent Secretary Ministry of Budget and Planning, Mr. Felix Asingbi and zonal coordinator, South-South, Mr. Essiet Ubong Sylvester amongst others.
