[FILE PHOTO] Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu. Photo/Twitter/GOVONDO
Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu has commended the Motorsports community for staging the second edition of Ondo Rally in Akure, saying the government was impressed at the amount of resources and passion the event brought to the state.
The governor said it was “pleasing to the see what young and independent minded indigenes of the state are doing; to support the tourism and sports initiative of the state with this event. We are proud of it and look forward to it getting bigger and also becoming a platform for deeper engagement with the youths.”
The rally managed by Work and Play debuted last year alongside a golf event with an off road event at Ilara-Mokin, outskirt of the state capital.
The 2018 edition, which held at the weekend, was an expanded version of the inaugural edition.
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Speaking on the rally, coordinator of the event, Olumide Omolade, said the plan was to strategically position it as a tool to spike internal tourism and local economy in Akure annually.
According to him, “We intend to keep raising the bar annually in terms of value delivery and we hope to keep getting more motorsport enthusiasts down to Akure for the event and eventually establish the state as a major hub for the sport in the country.
“The potential is very huge for all parties and we hope to be able to help the state harness them; especially as the character of the sports fits perfectly to the potential our youth possess; speed, energy and fun. That is why they could relate with it,” he added.
Governor Akeredolu was also involved in an exhibition race with Chief Michael Adeojo, one of the Nigeria’s biggest car dealers.
In the super car category, Argo Raak emerged a new champion dethroning Antonio Sandouk, who raced with one of the signature cars of the event named ‘Tiger.’ He placed third behind Clement Falayi.
In the 1.8 engine category that debuted this year, Robson Omasheye crossed the finish line ahead of Fatimeh Taiwo and Peter Makris.
In the off road race that flagged off the two-day event, Muyiwa Akintola retained his crown, returning a smashing 12.01minutes on a 13.5km, while Peter Makris picked the runner up spot, arriving in a time of 13.15 minutes.
Source: G Sport
