... Enhancing Security Agencies Cooperation Through Sports
A few days before the fourth edition of the Chief of Defence Staff Armed Forces, and Other Security Agencies Half Marathon 2023, the Defence Headquarters on Tuesday 5th November 2023 unveiled 250 athletes (both male and female) and 70 veterans (men and women) will be competing to win the Grand Prize of Two IVM Cars among other consolidation prizes in Abuja.
Athletes competing in the fourth Edition of the championship in two categories: the regular athletes and the Veterans category.
"We also have cash prizes for 2nd, 3rd and we also have a certificate of participation to be given to the group competitors and individual competitors,” he added.
The Chairman of the Planning Committee and Director of Sports, Defence Headquarters, Air Vice Marshal Abidemi Timothy Marquis, disclosed this at a press conference held at the Defence Headquarters Abuja.
The fourth edition of the half marathon is tagged "ENHANCING SECURITY AGENCIES COOPERATION THROUGH SPORTS".
According to the Air Vice Marshal Marquis, the Marathon would feature participants from the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies and it aimed at improving the skills of personnel, to interact and to sustain a working relationship.
He added that the marathon is to provide a platform for members of the armed forces and security agencies to engage in competitive sports, fostering skill improvement and unity.”
He said the event encompasses various categories, which include the 21.1 kilometres for both male and female participants, starting from Kubwa Express way and terminating at the Sports Complex of Aguiyi Ironsi Cantonment and 5 kilometres for veterans. "There will also be Individual and group competitions to create an exciting atmosphere for both participants and guests.
The committee encourages sporting enthusiasts in Abuja to participate in this year’s marathon, emphasizing the readiness of the organizers to conduct a successful event. The marathon promises exciting rewards for participants, including two brand-new cars and cash prizes
Air Vice Marshal Marquis urged sporting enthusiasts among the Security agencies and citizens to witness this year’s marathon, emphasizing the readiness of the organizers to conduct a successful event.
Marquis urged participants to compete fairly but fiercely and also warned them against doping and other forms of cheating during the competition. He urged road users along the Kubwa route to cooperate during the marking on Thursday and the tournament on Saturday.
It would be recalled that the 4th edition could not be held in 2020 due to COVID-19 pandemic and increased engagement of the military in internal security operations.
SpyeTV News reports that Security and Civil Defence Corps emerged winner at the 2019 Chief of Defence Staff Half Marathon Championship competition.