The Honourable Commissioner for Sports Development, Bayelsa State, Daniel Igali, has re-emphasised the importance of the Olympics as a festival that promotes a peaceful and better world for all.
The Olympic champion made these remarks at the 2024 Olympic Day Run in Yenagoa, organised by the Bayelsa State Government in conjunction with the Nigeria Olympic Committee, Bayelsa State Ministry of Sports Development, and Bayelsa State Sports Council on Saturday, June 29.
Daniel Igali stated that the Olympics is more than just a platform for nations to showcase their skills in sports and athletics; it encourages brotherhood and friendships among diverse groups and people.
“I want to warmly welcome all of you to the Olympic Day Run. As you know, today we celebrate the values of Olympism, which are excellence in everything you do, friendliness, brotherhood, and solidarity, and that’s what we are here to do.”
“Olympism is about living life every day collaborating with like minds, to live a healthy lifestyle. Also, Olympism is not just about winning. It is about participating, so I want to encourage everyone to live in the spirit of Olympism,” Igali stated.
The President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, represented by Patrick Ibeh, conveyed the goodwill message of the NOC president while highlighting the significance of the Olympic Day Run.
“On Olympic Day, we celebrate the creation of the Olympic movement as envisioned by the founder of the Olympic movement, Pierre de Coubertin. This year’s Olympic Day celebration is unique in many ways, especially with the Olympics itself beginning in a few weeks.”
“Olympic Day is about coming together to celebrate ourselves, keeping in mind that the world is a global village for everyone, irrespective of colour or nationality,” Ibeh said.
Earlier, the Director of Sports, Bayelsa State Sports Council, Sir Braveman Wodi, also added his voice to the celebration of the Olympic Day movement, describing it as a celebration of diversity.
“Olympic Day is a chance for people of all ages and abilities to experience the magic of the Olympic Games in their own communities as we are experiencing now.”
“It’s also an ideal platform to highlight the benefits of physical activity and the Olympic virtues of excellence, friendship, and respect,” Wodi added.
The chairman of the House Committee on Sports, Honourable Tare Porri, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Sports, Mrs Grace Alagoa, among other high-profile personalities, participated in the 2024 Olympic Day Run in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital.
