The Minister of Youth & Sports, Hon Isaac Asiamah has guaranteed support for the big millennium marathon 2018 which comes on in Accra on September 22.
He said the nation needs to organize more local competitions like the marathon to groom more runners for the future.
Addressing organisers of the Millennium Marathon who paid a courtesy call on him last Friday, Hon. Asiamah said the Ministry of Youth & Sports is more interested in building sports infrustracture to encourae the youth to appreciate sports and be familiar with modern training equipment.
He noted that the performance of Ghana at the recent Commonwealth Games has been an eye opener, and feels it make no sense to carry a large contingent to competition and return with only one consolation bronze medal.
He hinted that the construction of sports facilities across the nation should be the catalyst to change the future sporting fortunes of Ghana and urged the private sector to contribute to the development of new facilities and provision of equipment to sportsmen and women.
Ambassador Ashim Morton founder of the Millennium Marathon believed sports is an important global activity to promote peace and development across the nation which is the key mandate of the Millennium Marathon.
He said the millennium marathon sports ltd supports the sustainability development goals of the UN to promote healthy lifestyles amongst its citizenry.
He stressed that the marathon is another boaster for tourism promotion and creates business opportunities.
He announced that this year, a lucky participant is going to win a brand new Nissan Kicks vehicle donated by Japan Motors.
He explained that participants will have to register by paying gh50 and sending their registration number to *800*17# for qualification to take part in the raffle.
He said the National Lottery Authority will conduct the raffle and any participant who walks, jogs or run to finish the race can be the lucky winner.
He however indicated that there would be cash prizes for the first three finishers of the 21km and 5km respectively, as well as special race for the media and envoys.
He said this year’s marathon will bring together families, friends, corporate organisations, civil society and international tourists.
“The Millennium Marathon hosted since 2015 has encouraged the development of Health Walks by corporate institutions and establishment of more keep fit clubs and gyms in Ghana” he expressed.
He announced the hosting of a Health Expo and training session at the El Wak Sports Stadium prior to the marathon.
This year’s event is sponsored by Unilever, Ascent, Run Energy Drink and Verna Mineral Water by Twellium, Alliance Insurance, National Lottery Authority (NLA), Japan Motors, Multi Media Group, Graphic Communications, DDP and supported by the National Sports Authority and Ghana Athletics Association.
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