Olympic Day Run: Edo Deputy Gov leads over 200 runners, harps on benefits of sports

The Deputy Governor of Edo, Chief Philip Shaibu, on Saturday led more than 200 runners to observe the 2023 Olympic Day Run.

Shaibu was joined by officials of the Edo Sports Commission to observe the international exercise.

The participants defied the downpour to take the run, which kicked off at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin city through Akenzua Road to Plymouth Road, Ring Road, Oba Market to Ekhuan and rounded off at the stadium.

The annual event, organised by the state Sports Commission, attracted participants from various sports segments in the state.

Delivering the message of the President, International Olympic Committee (IOC), Thomas Bach, Shaibu highlighted the benefits of sporting activities, which he said included mental and physical health for humans.

Shaibu urged people to always spare time for sporting activities daily.

The event, he said, was set aside globally to celebrate the Founder of the Olympic Day Run, Baron Pierre de Coubertin, maintaining that Edo cannot be left out in the celebration.

“Today, we are remembering the creation of the Olympic Day Movement with the theme ‘Let’s Move’ by its Founder, Baron Pierre de Coubertin, who wanted to make the world a better place through sports.

“This is why the Olympic Day run is always a perfect opportunity to get up and move. When we do sports, it keeps our mind and body stronger and healthy.

“When we do sports, it inspires us to always put in our best and it gives us joy, and brings us together.

“This is the beauty of sports. It inspires the world to move and it brings us all together as friends, community, no matter where we are from, and how we choose to move.

“Sports is synonymous with good health. And when you are mentally and physically fit, your productivity will be high.

“The more healthy we are, the better our productivity and the better the growth of our country.

“So, as we celebrate this year’s Olympic Day, I want to urge all of us, no matter how little it is, just take a walk round your house, do some exercise and when you do that, your health obviously will improve.

“In this Olympic spirit, I wish you a wonderful Olympic Day celebration and I say let us all move,” he said.