2016 Millennium Marathon launched
A Minister of State at the Presidency, Elvis Afriyie Ankrah, on Monday launched the second edition of the Millennium Marathon, with a call on all Ghanaians to participate in the race as their contribution towards the nation realising the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal Three, which deals with ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for people of all ages.
Advertisement
This year’s marathon is slated for September 3 in Accra on the theme, “Africa on the Run” and is expected to attract over 40,000 participants.
Mr Afriyie Ankrah represented President John Mahama, who also doubles as the Co-chairman of the UN Sustainable Development Goals Advocates. He said the government was committed to using mass sports programmes to champion the quest to achieve the UN’s development goals in Africa.
“The Millenium Marathon is a collaborative partnership between the public and private sectors, the Office of the President, the office of the Lord Mayor of Accra, the ministries of Youth and Sports, Health and Education and the athletics community.
“As Co-chair of the SDG’s I have it my duty to lead the way in championing the cause right here in Ghana. Therefore, this government has decided to contribute towards sports and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals through the Millenium Marathon,” the President said.
The minister also promised government support to the exciting 10 regional marathon races which he projected to involve at least 100,000 youth across the 10 regions of the country.
Global sports icon, Haile Gebrselassie, said he was delighted to be involved with this year’s marathon as the Race Director, which the Ethopian said would be an upgrade of last year’s event.
Special prizes for this year’s race include a $150,000 cash prize, as well as two brand new Peugoet cars.
