The Nigerian Olympic Committee (NOC) says about 17 States have indicated readiness to host the 2025 Olympic Day celebration across the country.
Tony Nezianya, the Public Relations Officer of NOC disclosed this in a statement yesterday.
Nezianya said Habu Gumel, President of NOC would kickoff the event at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja on June 28.
He listed the states to include Edo, Plateau, Ondo, Taraba, Enugu, Delta, Kwara, FCT, Anambra, Bayelsa, Bauchi, Kogi, Gombe, Osun, Imo, and Lagos State, which is currently housing the Secretariat of the NOC.
He said the day would feature a variety of demonstration sports and activities depending on individual and group interests.
“These activities will include jogging and walking to promote calorie burning, muscle toning, overall health, and stress reduction.
“In the past, Olympic Day celebrations featured a 10-kilometer and a 5-kilometer race, which some considered restrictive.
“However, following popular requests from advocates of the Olympic Movement, the celebration has now been expanded to include a wider range of sports to appeal to a broader participation.
“The event has evolved into a mass movement aimed at promoting fitness for all, according to Austin Odigie, the coordinating officer for Sport for All Commission,” he said.
Nezianya said Abdul Ibrahim, Chairman of the NOC Sport for All Commission and President of the Weightlifting Federation of Nigeria, has called on the governments of the 17 listed states to actively participate in the programme.
According to him, those unable to participate this year should use this annual event as an opportunity to mobilise the populace and encourage engagement in sports for better fitness.
