The second edition of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Armed Forces and Security Agencies Half Marathon Championship christened “Abuja 2018’’ will hold on Wednesday 30 June 2018 in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. With the theme “Racing to Bond” the championship is aim at promoting participation in sporting activities and also to further strengthen the espirit de corps and existing cordial inter agencies relationship between the military, para-military services and other security agencies.
Chairman of the organising committee, Major General Sardauna Davies (Rtd) while addressing journalists during the press briefing on Tuesday in Abuja, disclosed that the championship which is the second edition has provided a unique opportunity to reunite the security outfits. He posited that the sport event is also an avenue for interactions among the participants which will create the needed bond and synergy during internal security operations.
According to Major General Davies, a total of 198 athletes are expected to compete for laurels at the championship noting that 18 athletes comprising of 10 males and 8 females are to represent each of the security agencies and organizations. He disclosed that both individual and team awards and trophies will be presented at the end of the event.
The Chairman, thanked the Chief of Defence Staff for giving him the opportunity to serve even in retirement, while commending the service chiefs for their contributions towards the successful hosting of the marathon. He then appreciated the individuals and corporate organizations that sponsored the championship, adding that more organisations are sponsoring this edition as compared to the previous one held last year.
The eleven participating security agencies and para-military services include the Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force, Nigeria Police and the Nigeria Custom Service. Others are the Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigerian Prison Service, Federal Road Safety Commission and the Federal Fire Service. While the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps as well as the Vehicle Inspection Officers are also expected to take part in the event.
The marathon race which is expected to commence by 6:00am is covering a distance of 21.1 kilometre, with the starting point at Dei Dei and the finishing line at the Aguiyi Ironsi Barracks. Viewers are encouraged to tune in for the live coverage of the event on Nigerian Television Authority (NTA).
