Sports
CyclingLagos Identifies With World Cycling Day
As the maiden World Bicycle Day held yesterday, the organisers of the highly anticipated CyclingLagos had identified the day set aside by the United Nation (UN) to promote Cycling Culture across the globe.
Tidesports source reports that June 3 was approved on April 12, 2018 as the official UN day for awareness about the multiple societal benefits of using bicycle for transportation and leisure.
The aftermath of the announcement by UN, the European Cyclists’ Federation (ECF) Secretary-General Bernhard Ensink, said: “Cycling is a source for social, economic and environmental benefits and it is bringing people together.
“WCA and ECF are extremely happy with this declaration. This UN declaration is an acknowledgement of the contribution of cycling to the Sustainable Development Goals.’’
However, in commemoration of this year’s edition, the Chairman CyclingLagos, Mr Soji Adeleye, has said that it was high time for all arms of government in Nigeria to begin to give special consideration to Cycling.
“Cycling should be seen as an integral part of transportation vehicles in the country.
“I, however, commend the government of Lagos State for supporting the forthcoming CyclingLagos which will engage local and international athletes in two months of activities between July 7 and August 25.
“Activities for the two months programme for CyclingLagos will include: Riding Tour of Lagos, Lagos Cycling Children Summer Clinic, Coaching/Talent Development Programme, Entertainment and Corporate Brand Exhibition.
“This will climax with the grand finale of the cycling competition and corporate Lagos Dinner on August 25, 2018,’’ Soji Adeleye said.
Adeleye said that beyond the central idea of encouraging healthy living through regular exercise among corporate executives, the event would champion healthy competition among corporate organisations.
“Corporate organisations through their participation are to encourage the public to engage in cycling in their various communities for healthy living,’’ he said.
“We are expecting over 1,000 local and international cyclists to participate in the LagosCycling.
“The race categories include the Celebrity, Corporate, Professional, Children, Amateur, the Club and Association.
“Multichoice, owners of DSTV and GOtv, the official media partner will relay the competition to its over 11.9 million subscribers”, he concluded.
The Bayelsa State government, yesterday, announced that the marathon will be held on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
The inaugural race is owned by the Bayelsa State Government and will be organised by Nilayo Sports Management Limited, a sports management company.
Under the theme “The Reveal,” the race represents a bold unveiling of Bayelsa’s immense human and cultural potential to the international community, inviting the world to witness the resilience, grit, and talent rooted in the heart of the Niger Delta.
According to the organisers, the race will be flagged off at 9:30 a.m., at the Opolo Roundabout, guiding participants through a carefully designed 10-kilometre route that highlights the scenic beauty and vibrant atmosphere of Yenagoa.
The course will culminate at Peace Park Square, where athletes will cross the finish line into a grand celebration of endurance, unity, and community spirit.
To elevate the experience for runners and spectators alike, the finish venue will host a high-energy post-race concert featuring performances from top A-list artistes, blending sport and entertainment in a festival-style atmosphere.
The organisers directed all registered participants to collect their race bibs and kits at the designated Peace Park Square between March 30 and April 3, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily.
The race, according to them, is currently on track for World Athletics accreditation, underscoring the commitment of both the Bayelsa State Government and Nilayo Sports Management Limited to delivering an event that meets the highest global standards.
The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, on Friday continued the Commission’s nationwide appreciation tour with a visit to Abeokuta, where outstanding junior athlete, Majekodunmi Afusat Bisola, was presented with a cheque of N3 million.
The presentation forms part of the NSC’s initiative to recognise and reward exceptional junior athletes who distinguished themselves in 2025 and contributed significantly to Nigeria’s medal haul.
Majekodunmi delivered an impressive run of performances on the track. At the last edition of the National Sports Festival, she stormed to gold in the 400m and the 4x400m relay. She replicated the double triumph at the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) Junior Championship, in Abeokuta, before emerging as one of the standout stars at the African Youth Games in Luanda, Angola.
Speaking during the presentation, Olopade explained that the Commission deemed it necessary to extend financial appreciation to grassroots athletes after elite performers had earlier received grants running into thousands of dollars.
“A few weeks ago, after paying grants to our elite athletes, we agreed tthere was a need to also appreciate these young, budding talents who made Nigeria proud last year,” he said.
He disclosed that of the 376 medals recorded by Nigerian athletes in 2025, more than 200 were won by grassroots talents, underscoring the importance of sustained investment in youth development.
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