Okpekpe 10km Race introduces community qualifiers ahead of Saturday’s main event

Okpekpe 10km Race introduces community qualifiers ahead of Saturday’s main event

- As Ora communities praise Petralon Energy for initiative

BY ASEIN OHIS

As part of the innovations introduced for this year’s Okpekpe 10km Road Race scheduled for Saturday in Auchi, Edo State, the organizers have successfully staged community qualifying races across four communities in Orange West Local Government Area.

The qualifying races, which took place in Sabo, Uhonmora, Oke, and Eme-Ora, were designed to discover and encourage emerging athletic talents from the grassroots. The initiative produced the top 40 athletes who will now earn the opportunity to compete in the main Okpekpe 10km race on Saturday.

In a remarkable show of support for upcoming athletes, the Petralon Energy also distributed 100 canvas shoes to participants to aid their training and development. In addition, cash gifts and rewards were presented to the first three male and female athletes from the qualifying races.

The Ora qualifying trials received strong support from Petralon Energy, whose sponsorship further boosted the community-based initiative and encouraged wider participation among young athletes in the area.

The initiative has been widely praised as another major step toward grassroots sports development and talent discovery in Nigeria, while also creating excitement and community participation ahead of the prestigious road race.

Athletics enthusiasts, stakeholders, and visitors are now turning their attention to Auchi as preparations reach top gear for what promises to be another memorable edition of the internationally recognized Okpekpe 10km Road Race.

Special appreciation has also gone to Petralon Energy,Padmozi and Former Nigeria Athlete Yusuf Alli who was in charge supporting the innovative initiative aimed at empowering young athletes and promoting community engagement through sports.