Gov Diri Restates Administration's Commitment To Sports Development

...As Bayelsa Celebrates Olympic Day Run

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri has reaffirmed his administration's commitment to sports development in the state.

Governor Diri gave the assurance as the state joins the rest of the world to celebrate the 2025 Olympic Day in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital.

Governor Diri, who was represented by the Technical Adviser to the Governor on Sports, Mr. Alaowei Opukeme, said his administration would continue to invest in sports development, stating that the Prosperity Administration is leaving nothing to chance to ensure that the state competes favourable amongst the comity of states in the country.

The governor, who described sports as the surest way to empower the youths in the state, asserted that the exploits of Bayelsa in recent years is a testament of the huge investment his administration has accorded to sports.

According to the state helmsman, the Olympics Day Run is significant to Bayelsa State's cultural diversity and sporting excellence which embodies the shared values of friendship and respect that resonates deeply with Bayelsans.

He noted that the theme of this year's Olympic Day Run celebration "Move, Learn, Discover, Together for a Better World" was apt as it beckons on the people not to just be spectators but become active, and participate in the growth of the society through sports.

President of Nigeria Olympic Committee, Engr. Habu Gumel represented by Mrs. Emem Edem, said sport fortifies both the body and mind, promoting robust health and well-being of every individual.

Engr Gumel noted that the Olympic Day Run has consistently cultivated connection and solidarity, united friends and communities, regardless of religion and tribe, describing the day as remarkable to the world.

Earlier, Director of Sports, Bayelsa State Sports Council, Sir Braveman Wodi, in an address of welcome, remarked that the Day was targeted at engaging in exercises, promoting health and fitness for all, jogging and walking to burn calories, tone up muscles to shape the body and help to keep the mind stress-free.

He pointed out 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.

Sir Wodi opined that he was overwhelmed by the massive turn out of this year’s Olympic Day celebration in the state and that it has further defined the core values and the significance of the Day.

He equally used the opportunity to appreciate all the athletes, coaches and organizing secretaries in the state for their seriousness, dedication and commitment in the just-concluded National Sports Festival in Abeokuta, Ogun State, stressing that their determination complimented the governor's unparalleled passion for sports development.

The 2025 Olympic Day Run celebration climaxed with demonstrations from different sports and a walk from Ekeki Park to the Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa.