Ethiopian and world marathon legend Mr Haile Gebrselassie has stressed the need to encourage people from all walks of life and at all ages to take to sports due to their direct and indirect benefits.
According to the legend, who for years reigned in world long distance and the marathon, says sports is not only economically beneficial but its positive effect on one’s health are enormous.
Gebrselassie made the call when he visited the Graphic Communications Group Limited (GCGL) as part of the road map to promote the Millennium Marathon.
While calling for massive support for the Millennium Marathon which could become a major tourist attraction for the country, he was more particular about adopting sports as a way of life, especially, among children, stressing the long-term benefits.
“The Millennium Marathon can be a major boost for tourism in the country due to the sheer numbers of international participants it would attract when given the necessary support, so let’s all support it to become as popular as any of the other international marathons around the world.
“Due to our life styles today, every one is at risk of being bogged down by ill health, but there is so much proof of the benefits of sports that we all now have to make a conscious effort to making it part of our everyday lives so we can stay more healthy.
“People are spending so much money treating acquired diseases because they ignored the less expensive way of life but from my personal experience, I will encourage everyone to take up a sport. It’s never too late,” the Ethiopian star said.
He stressed the need to introduce children to any sports at a young age so it becomes part of their everyday lives and routine.
“ Sports may not be their bread winner in the future when they take it up at the professional level, but even as a hobby, it will help them go through the physiological challenges most people tend to experience growing up. Instead of encouraging them to spend more hours behind the television and the other electronic gadgets, let’s encourage them to play and exercise more,” he admonished.
Mr Ken Ashigbey, the Managing Director of GCGL who received him, said Gebrselassie’s association with the Millennium Marathon would help popularise the event and expressed the hope that the whole concept would be better developed to make it one of the priority events in the country.
Mr Ashigbey also said Graphic was proud to be partners of the marathon as it re-emphasised the company’s vision of better telling the African story.
