Lagos –  No fewer than 500 participants took part in Saturday’s Olympic Run, organised by the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) in Lagos to wrap up the 3-day event, designed to celebrate the founding of Sports-For-All.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that as part of the event, a 10-kilometre run/walk was used to round off the event.

The race, which covered virtually all categories, ranged from a 10 km race/walk, 5km, 2km and a km, stared at the National Stadium, through Ojuelegba, Lawanson, Marsha and back to the stadium.

The Olympic celebrations, started on July 2, with art exhibition and quiz competition by pupils and students of primary and secondary schools.

Henry Amike, President of Sports-For-All Commission, who presented the remarks of the President of International Olympic Committee (IOC), commended the country for being part of the Worldwide celebration.

Amike, an Olympic quarter mile hurdler in his active days, said that the country was part of a growing global event. Like Nigeria, people around the world are commemorating the founding of the Olympic Movement by sharing the joys of sport and fellowship rooted in Olympic values.

“The day is for everyone, regardless of age or athletic ability,’’ he said and encouraged people to participate in exercises and not on Olympic days only, so as to be part of a healthier and happier life.

Tayo Oreweme, the Liaison Officer, National Sports Commission (NSC), Lagos, described youths as future for sports development in the country.

“They are very important for the growth of sports in this country. They need to be encouraged and this is one of the ways to encourage them, ‘’ she said.

Some of the participants, who spoke in separate interviews, said they were happy to have featured in the event.

Oyinlola Adeyeye, 14, of Bolu Tutorial College, Mushin said that his appearance in last year’s event spurred him to participate at the Run. “I had fun last year and I made new friends.

“We were more than this last year and it was more fun. I believe the rain hindered some people from coming’’.

Oluwaseun Anani, 19, said she came to the stadium to train and it was the crowd that turned out, prompted her to join the event.

Blessing David, 17 of Victoria High School, Ilamoye, said her participation at the event, was her first, stressing that her father informed her of the event.

“I thought it was going to be a tedious run but unfortunately my assumption was wrong,’’ she said.

NAN reports that trophies and material award were presented to winners in the art exhibition and quiz competition.

In the art exhibition, Greenspring School, Anthony Village, Lagos was placed first while Headstart Private School and Princeton College were second and third respectively.

For the primary school quiz, Rockcleft School, came first, J.S. Margaret Private School, was placed second while Golden Bunch School was third.

Doregos Private Academy, Ipaja was first in the Secondary School quiz while Greenspring School and Topmost International School, Maryland were second and third respectively.

NAN reports that participants in the run received certificate of participation.