BY CHIKA KWAMBA
NO fewer than 40,000 athletes are expected to participate in the maiden edition of the Asaba International Road Race, aimed at promoting sports development and tourism in the state.
The road race forms part of the activities marking the first anniversary of the enthronement of the Asagba of Asaba, His Royal Majesty, Obi (Professor) Epiphany Azinge, SAN.
Addressing journalists, yesterday, the monarch described the initiative as a bold step towards placing Asaba and the African continent firmly on the global sporting map.
According to him, “This presentation speaks for itself. It is for me to underscore the content of the presentation, lend my endorsement, and to that extent, I pass my seal of approval.
“You have followed the trajectory, the concept, and the direction we are headed. My belief is that there may not be a better way of branding and rebranding Asaba than through sport and the Asaba International Road Race is one of such initiatives.”
The traditional ruler emphasized the broader vision of the event, noting its potential impact beyond sports. “Beyond the economic fallout lies the major global branding of the name ‘Asaba’, and that is something we are not prepared to compromise. We are looking forward to making this an annual event. like I said, we are going to set in the transit from 10km to 42km in due course, so that it will continue to resonate and reverberant all over the world’’.
The monarch noted that the event would firmly establish Asaba on the international sporting calendar, drawing global attention to the city. “People will begin to associate a specific date every year with the Asaba International Road Race. The name ‘Asaba’ will echo around the world and that’s our ultimate vision.”
HRM Azinge also remarked on the economic impact and opportunities the event would present to the state.
“Hosting 40,000 people in this city has huge economic implications. We have always prided ourselves on Asaba’s hospitality sector, but this will be a true test of its capacity. Even if it overflows, the trickle-down effect, in terms of marketing, trade, culture, and tourism, is not something to be taken lightly,” he said.
Also speaking at the event, the Chairman of the Sports Promotion Committee, Ogbueshi Peter Iweze, and Project Consultant, Dr Moses Nwanze, aligned themselves with the monarch’s remarks.
They highlighted the full itinerary of events and outlined the objectives and prize categories for participants across various levels, as detailed in the official statement signed by the monarch.
