By Uzor Odigbo
In line with Governor Akinwumni Ambode’s vision of making marathons and road race a culture among Lagosians because of its immense health benefits, the General Manager of the Access Bank Lagos City marathon, Yusuf Alli, on Tuesday, began the training of 30 Sports Officers from the Lagos State Sports Commission.
Alli, who made a name for himself as a long jumper and the longest serving captain of Team Nigeria, is today the number one marathons and road race organizer in Nigeria.
He told the Sports Officers, majority of whom are middle level career officers with Lagos State Sports Commission, that they should take the training seriously as the knowledge acquired will not only be useful for them during the service but after the service.
“I didn’t have the technical knowledge behind the organization of road races and marathons as an athlete but I know from experience in Europe and America that it is a good venture. After my track career, I went on to learn how to organize road races and marathons in Manchester and to do this, I had to pay thousands of pounds, so you guys are lucky to have the opportunity to learn how to organize road races without paying a dime.”
Alli said what they will learn in the next three weeks will be put into practice on race day.
“In a marathon, there is no take two. It is not Nollywood where there is a second chance to reshoot a scene. You have to be on top of your game as any error may affect the race adversely. Majority of you will work as team leaders and you will be responsible for your departments,” said Alli.
Responding, Lagos State Sports Commission Director of Sports, Kolawole Moses, thanked Alli. He also implored the General Manager to post the Sport Officers to various departments; a request the GM marathon agreed to. Moses urged the officers to be of good conduct and make good use of the opportunity.
The Lagos City Marathon will be held on February 10th in Lagos.
