Côte d’Ivoire / Youths, women, and veterans of Botro run for peace – thanks to UNOCI
ABIDJAN, Côte d’Ivoire, May 27, 2010/African Press Organization (APO)/ — The UN Operation in Côte d’Ivoire (UNOCI), on Saturday, 22 May 2010, organised a cross-country race in Botro, 40 km west of Bouaké.
Speaking before the start of the race, UNOCI Civil Affairs Officer in Sector East, Kei Tagawa, reiterated “the importance the UN attaches to sport as a promoter of peace, development and health”. He called on participants to develop these values during the race. “I call on you to cultivate the spirit of fair play, respect for one’s adversary and the acceptance of the final result because what should prevail here are the values of peace and brotherhood at a time when Côte d’Ivoire is engaged in a peace process,” he said.
The secretary-general of the Prefect’s office, Kone Benoit thanked UNOCI for always associating Botro with its sporting activities. Last February, UNOCI organized a public TV screening of the quarter finals of the African Nations Cup competition in Botro.
After welcoming UNOCI’s initiative, the Mayor, Koffi Yao, told the youths “to place emphasis on the game not merely as a matter of challenge and reward but should perceive it as a factor of togetherness, social cohesion and peace that would lead to elections, the guarantee for stability and peace in Côte d’Ivoire.”
The various winners by category were: Baro Marouta, Sanogo Djata,Kouakou Ngoran Marceline for the girls; Amani Kouakou Yves, Tanou Lacina, Bamba Adamou for the boys; Souaga Amoin Rosine, Brou Adjoua and Koffi Akissi Florence for women; Fanny Nanou, Kourdjata Lagbama and Alla Serge Stephane for men; and Konan Yao Jules, Yao Jean Vincent and Nguessan Akissi Josephine for veterans. Their prizes consisted of UNOCI promotional articles.
UNOCI was assisted in the organization of the event by the Regional Department of Sport which was represented by the Athletic League.
SOURCE
Mission of UN in Côte d’Ivoire
