Ethiopians, Shewaye Tolosa and Habtamu Birhane Molla have emerged winners of the women’s and men’s categories of the first Yenagoa City International ten kilometre race.
At the ceremony at the Peace Park, opposite Government House in Yenagoa, shortly after the race, Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State reiterated the Administration’s commitment to investing in sports.
Nigerian athletes also won second and third position in the men’s race.
It was a clean sweep for Ethiopia at the inaugural Yenagoa City International ten kilometre race as Shewaye Tolosa won the top prize of $5,000 finishing in 33.50.07 seconds ahead of compatriot Tigist Girma Aseta 34.07.25 secs to finish 2nd and cart home $3,000 while Worke Gacasho Jilo who was 3rd in 35.57.72 secs got $2000.
In an interview with Radio Nigeria, Shewaye said she was elated with her victory.
The first Nigerian was Daylop Patience who was 4th in 35.07.66 secs just as her country woman, Vivian Nenyitwe Obadiaha was 5th in 35.07.66 secs.
Also, Ethiopia’s Habtamu Birhane Molla got the first prize of $5,000 in the Men’s category breasting the tape on 29.23.65 seconds and he could not contain his joy over the feat.
A Nigerian, 17 year old Gang James Buoy, a native of Plateau State who just finished from Victory Academy High School, Jos clocked 29.59.90 secs to finish in second position to smile home with $3,000.
Another Nigerian, Francis James was third with 30.16.71 secs to cart home $2,000 as Nigerians also finished 4th and 5th.
At the prize presentation ceremony, Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State gave an assurance that the current Administration would continue to invest in sports development to give youths the opportunity to actualize their potential.Represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Peter Akpe, he underscored the immense benefits of sports and fitness which according to him helps citizens to be healthy, noting that the Yenagoa City International 10km Race, has brought the attention of Bayelsa to the world for good.
The Yenagoa City International ten kilometre race started from the Opolo Area of the Bayelsa State capital, went through the Isaac Boro Expressway, the Sani Abacha Express Road, the Lambert Eradiri road and terminated at the Peace Park, Onopa.
Dignitaries that graced the event included top officials from the Bayelsa State Government, Managing Director of the consulting outfit, Nilayo Sports Management, Mrs. Yetunde Olopade, a representative of the World Athletics and President of International Association of Ultrarunners Nadeem Khan, Olympian and former Nigerian Long Jump record holder, Yusuf Alli amongst others.
