Cycling Team Seeks Collaboration With Akwa Ibom Sports Ministry Ahead of Planned Race

As efforts to deepen the development of sports in Akwa Ibom state, a cycling team in Uyo, LA REINE CYCLING has sought collaboration with the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Sports ahead of a 100 kilometers marathon race.
The initial consultation was officially made on Tuesday, September 8, when the organisers visited the Honourable Commissioner for Sports, Elder Paul Bassey, in his office.
In a solemn petition to the sports commissioner, the team lead, Imaobong Steven Umoh, had sought for the ministry’s approval for the availability of relevant facilities and equipment to aid its planned race tagged “LAREINE CYCLING MARATHON: UYO 2026”.
According to Imaobong,the programme which is billed to run from October 26 to November 1, is primarily targeted at launching LAREINE CYCLING as a platform to promote cycling as a sport, as well as identify and train young talents who can represent Nigeria globally.
In his response,the Honourable Commissioner for Sports, Elder Paul Bassey who appreciated LAREINE CYCLING for its stand of diversification, reiterated the intentionality of the Governor Umo Eno’s led administration in general sports development, with an aim to give all sports the needed balance to thrive.
“… since we came on board we have been trying to ensure that all sports are developed as needed”, Elder Bassey said.
Flanked by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mrs Rosemary Ubia, the sports boss, however, intimated the team with the implications and caution applicable in the use of relevant sporting equipment and facilities.
He outlined clear instances in the areas of apparent sponsorship, facility impact assessment, and careful event fixtures, as underpinning clear-cut approval to circumvent unwarranted liability,untold damage,and possible clash with a major state, national,or international sporting event.
Also in the team was Ms Stella Udi, Secretary, Akwa Ibom State Cycling Association,and Mr Johnson Bassey,the Sports Desk Officer, Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Information.