Ahead of the upcoming 1st Ebonyi International Half Marathon, the State Ministry of Youth Development, in collaboration with Fairplay International, organized an intensive one-day training session for its technical crew and officials in Abakaliki, the state capital.
150 participants were drawn from the Ministry of Youth Development and Sports, various youth groups, and students.
The “train-the-trainers” program, approved by the state government, aimed to equip participants with the latest trends in marathon racing.
The capacity-building event was overseen by Hon. Prince Richard Ugo-Idike, the Commissioner for Youth Development and Sports in Ebonyi State. During his address, Hon. Ugo-Idike praised His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, the Governor of Ebonyi State, for his support of youth and sports initiatives and for approving Fairplay International to organize the first-ever Ebonyi International Marathon race in the entire South East.
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The Commissioner encouraged participants to seize this golden opportunity provided by the governor to enhance their sporting skills. Mr. Jacob Onu, the head of Fairplay International and organizer of the race, expressed gratitude to the governor for his commitment to hosting the marathon in the state.
Prince Henry Amike, the technical director of the event, assured that all necessary arrangements—ranging from medical support, road safety, welfare, and security for the athletes—have been meticulously prepared to ensure a successful event.