By Olayemi Esan
About 347 African Athletes are expected to participate in the 1st edition of the Solidarity sporting for Peace amongst the San Francisco hel Countries, in Abuja.
The President of the Organization of Military Sports in Africa (OSMA) Brigadier General Maikano Abdullahi made this known on Friday while fielding questions from Journalists during an inspection of the facilities for the championship at TY Buratai International Golf Resort and Country Club in Abuja.
Brig Gen Maikano said the aim and objective of the sporting for peace championship among the 8 Sahel countries is to foster unity and understanding as well as reinforce collective resolve among the Armed Forces of the member countries to defeat all.
He said, Nigeria is poised to host the Sahel Military Games in the Capital Territory of Abuja from 9th October to 17th October, 2021, with auxiliary support to be provided at the venue.
OSMA President noted that it the traditional in OSMA we compete without a fix price. "Our price is participation, its our coming together, our message of peace and Solidarity.
“We have seen the football field where the football event would take place in Aguiyi Ironsi Cantonment and the route where the marathoners are going to run from Dede Zuba to Aguiyi Ironsi Cantonment finishing ground. We are now in TY Buratai Golf Course where the golf event will take place.
“Eight countries are going to participate in golf while 12 countries will compete in football and marathon events. A total of 347 athletes will be coming for the Games.
He added that, the host and patron the Chief of Defence Staff General Lucky Irabor has assured OSMA and all participants of total support and there is no doubt.
OSMA President, reassured participants that the Covid 19 protocol would be observed.
Following the meeting between the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and the President of the International a Military Sport Council (OSMA), issues relating to the hosting of the 1st OSMA Sahel Countries Military Games for Peace and Solidarity in Nigeria, were fully deliberated upon and modalities for a successful hosting of the sporting event were carefully mapped out.