Ogunkoya predicts double joy at Remo 2019 IAU African Championship
Players boast ahead of LASPOTECH Rector’s tennis cup
THIS is the best of times for indigenes of the Remo Division and the Ijebu nation. This weekend, two things of world significance will happen in the lives of the people known for their hard work, creativity and perseverance.
First, the maiden IAU African Championship, which will feature runners from more than 30 African countries, will happen in Remo on Saturday morning. Then, it would be followed later by the biggest sporting event of the day, the world heavyweight boxing title rematch between son of the soil, Anthony Joshua and his adversary, Andy Ruiz Jr., a MexicanAmerican, who many see as the usurper of Joshua’s throne.
And African 400m women record holder, Falilat Ogunkoya believes that when all is done and dusted, there will be double joy for the people.
“I know it would be celebration galore this weekend,” Ogunkoya assured. “Joshua will regain his title, just as we will witness a grand finish to the ultrarace championships.” Already, dignitaries for the ultra-race championships from across the continent have started arriving in Nigeria.
Ogunkoya thanks the president of International Association of Ultra-runners in Africa, Solomon Ogba for bringing the first edition of Valuejet IAU African Championships to Remo, Ogun State.
The event Tagged ‘Remo 2019’ is slated for Saturday and it is currently the mosttalked-about running event in Nigeria and across borders.
30 African countries have registered to participate in the 50-kilometre race while fun runners also have the opportunity to participate in the five-kilometre fun run, which starts at the Ikenne Central Mosque and ends at the Sagamu International Stadium. Ogunkoya noted that this is the first IUA event in this part of the world in 35 years and one would have thought that Ogba would have taken it to his domain, but he has chosen to allow Remo Town to get the honour.
“The people of Remo and indeed Ogun State are grateful to Chief Ogba for being a true Nigerian and for giving us the opportunity to host runners from across the different countries.
“The whole town is grateful and I can assure you that everyone is looking forward to this weekend, apart from the race, everyone would also have a chance to explore the tourism potentials of Ogun State,” Ogunkoya, who is the President Of the Ogun State Athletics Association stated.
Ogunkoya also thanked Valuejet and other sponsors supporting ‘Remo 2019’ for making what seemed like a tall dream to become a reality.
The President of the SouthWest Athletics Association also expressed gratitude to the likes of Kunle Soname and Bukola Olopade, who both have been supportive in organising this epochmaking event.
PLAYERS and officials of the various clubs taking part in the 2019 Lagos State Polytechnic
Rector’s Tennis Cup are laying claims to the top prizes even before the tournament serves off tomorrow.
This year’s LASPOTECT Rector’s Cup tennis championship, a David’s Cup format, will feature Police College Tennis Club, Ijebu Ode Tennis Club, Harvey Tennis Club and LASPOTECH Tennis Clubs. It will hold on December 6 and 7 at LASPOTECT main campus, Ikorodu.
The tournament, which is being sponsored by NSIA Insurance Plc, will feature a team of six players per club, according to the organisers.
Speaking ahead of the commencement of the tournament, captain of Police College Tennis Club, Ndubuisi Ekwempu, stated yesterday that he had what it takes to defeat other contenders in the competition.
Also speaking yesterday, captain of Harvey Road Tennis Club, Mr. Lanre Shotunde, as well as his counterpart from LASPOTECH Tennis Club, Rev. Fr. Joe Ben Onyia, stated that they would use the tournament to show that they are the best tennis player in the land.
Other co-sponsors, according to the organisers, include Nem Insurance Plc,
Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc, Lasaco Assurance and consolidated Hallmark Insurance.
The Managing Director/ceo, NEM Insurance Plc Mr. Tope Smart, and the Council Manager, Ikorodu North LGA, Dr. Olasukanmi Odesanya, will take part in the novelty match of the tournament scheduled for 4.30 pm on Saturday December 7.
Meanwhile, the President of LASPOTECH Tennis Club Mr. Abdulateef Olamilekan Awolaja, has assured that the tournament would be exciting, just as he confirmed yesterday that top prices would be won by the participants.