By ANDRE BISYIT
GOVERNOR Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang of Plateau State has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment and determination towards providing the enabling environment for sports to thrive because of their benefits to the youth of the state.
He gave this assurance during the Olympics Day Celebration held at the Rwang Pam Township Stadium on Saturday, adding that the annual international event was organized to commemorate the formation of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
Represented by Bashir Lawandi Dati, Commissioner of Sports and Youth Development, the governor pointed out that the celebration was aimed at promoting world peace and unity, friendship in order to encourage wider participation amongst people from all walks of life.
“Initially the event was known as the Olympics Day Run, but now changed to Olympics Day celebration, in order to encourage wider participation,” he further explained.
Thomas Bach, President, International Olympic Committee, through Lorinda Sati, disclosed that this year’s celebration was a special as the Olympics Games was around the corner to be held in Paris, tagged, ‘Paris 2024’.
He added that this year’s Olympics Games would be full of gender parity and bring people together in peace and solidarity while keeping them healthy.
Professor Ezra Gunen, Director, Plateau State Sports Council, pointed out that the celebration would be used as model of promoting participation in sports, recreational activities for the purpose of improving personal fitness and health.
He said communities engaging in recreational activities for the purpose of promoting peace and stability would not be left behind and advised people to exercise due to the health benefits.
“His Excellency Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang has looked at sports with keen interest and for the very first time we are having some athletes of the state qualified for the Olympics Games and our coaches have been training them for better performance,” he said.
