Asaba Plans Maiden 10km International Road Race for October 5.

The Committee set up by the Asagba of Asaba, His Royal Majesty, Asagba Prof Epiphany Azinge, SAN, OON, FNIALS, to prepare a blueprint for the development of sports in his kingdom has submitted its proposal.

The Chairman of the Committee, Ogbueshi Wing Commander Peter Iweze, (rtd), led the Committee members to the Palace of the Asagba, on Thursday, to present the proposal for a 10-kilometer international road race.

Ogbueshi Iweze said the Committee believed that the Asagba’s passion for sports must be translated to action to promote different sporting events, pointing out that various options, including sensitizing Asaba people on the possibility of having a fitness day, at least once a month, were considered.

He added that the game of football was also considered in their meetings, as well as table tennis engagements among the ebos, but that for a start a marathon was identified as the most important, with a 10-kilometer road race for a test-run.

In his presentation, the project consultant, Dr. Moses Nwanze, said the objective of the Committee was to come up with an implementation plan for putting Asaba in the globe through the instrumentality of sports.

Dr. Nwanze explained that the proposed 10-kilometer Asaba international road race would attract about 40 thousand miles local and foreign athletes, aiming to promote sports development, tourism and community engagement, adding that it served as a significant event in the Nigerian athletes calendar.

On the benefits derivable from organizing the event, the consultant said the influx of athletes, scouts and spectators to Asaba for the race would stimulate the local economy, enhance infrastructure development, throw up competitive opportunities for price money and incentives, culture exchange, exposure and networking opportunities.

He said the objectives of the race included, to promote the growth and development of a network of athletes to achieve social change within the Asaba community and the nation at large, to shine a spotlight on Asaba through sports, and to announce the visibility of Asaba culture to the visitors and the outside world.

Dr. Nwanze added that the event would promote health and fitness, serve as a tool for brand propagation through sports sponsorship, popularize the road race and foster unity among the indigenes and participants through sportsmanship.

He disclosed that the maiden edition of the event would take place on 5th October – the same date Asagba Prof Azinge ascended the throne.

Responding, Asagba Prof Azinge commended the Committee for the swift manner they moved into action, noting that the presentation by the consultant was incisive, insightful and thought provoking.

His Royal Majesty said he was passionate about branding Asaba and would fully support anything that would make that possible, even as he stressed that the town had every reason and all that was needed to make it a brand that everyone would be proud of.

The Asagba said having proposed a 10 – kilometer road race for a start, the Committee should be prepared to upgrade the race to the standard 42 – kilometer marathon in due course.

He praised the well-articulated proposal, agreeing with the name, date and routes chosen for the race, but pointed out that external bodies, including the state and local governments, as well as the hotels, which would be the major beneficiaries of the anticipated influx of about 40 thousand athletes, should, to a large extent, be involved.