BY THEODORE OPARA

In line with its social responsibility standpoint of lending valued support to various spheres of life, Hyundai Motors Nigeria, last week added zest to Nigeria Independence Corporate Run, donating a Hyundai Verna GLS saloon car as star prize to winner of the 2011 commemorative raffle draw in Lagos.

Hyundai Motors participated in the mini marathon to raise the consciousness of youths and the aged in long distance walks, which it said helps to improve wellbeing and mental state of health.

Mr. Kiran Parab, marketing director, Hyundai Motors Nigeria Limited who gave this hint at the event on Monday, November 7 2011said Hyundai seeks to promote sports’ development and encourage grassroots’ sports.

He said: “We are particularly enthralled by the purposeful leadership of the Lagos State government to improve infrastructures and ensure skill acquisition among young enterprising Lagosians and keeping employable youths off the street,” Mr. Kiran stressed.

The 2011 Nigeria Independence Corporate Run which incidentally is the second edition of the competition has as its title, ‘Let’s run for a healthier Nigeria and a rewarding future.’

Attended by distinguished athletes, especially long distance sportspersons, the marathon kicked-off 8.00am at the Tafawa Balewa Square Onikan Lagos with pep talks and was climaxed at Eko Atlantic City Bar Beach with presentation of prizes.

Three categories of participants however featured in the race which saw frontrunners in the first, second and third places in the various categories smiled home with cash prizes of N100,000, N75,000 and N50,000 respectively.

The money according to Lagos State Sports Endowment Fund would be credited in the respective winners’ bank accounts in line with the Lagos State government e-payment policy.

Hyundai was on the other hand, eulogized as eminent sponsor in the Corporate Sponsors Category.

Among dignitaries present at the event is the executive governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Raji Fashola, represented by head of service, wife of the governor, Dame Abimbola Emmanuella Fashola, Honourable Commissioner of Sports Lagos State, Mr. Ade Ipaiye, executive secretary, Lagos State Sports Endowment Fund, Mr. Babatunde Bank – Anthony, traditional and community leaders as well as members of Lagos State council of prestigious traditional white cap chiefs.

In his remark, Mr. Bank-Anthony commended all corporate sponsors for lending credence to the race and urged other players in the private sector to emulate their generosity.

Meanwhile, winner of the coveted star prize, Hyundai Verna GLS sedan Prince Ayodele Oyekan, Bajulaiye of Lagos, member, Lagos State council of prestigious traditional white cap chiefs commended Lagos State Sports Endowment Fund, organizers of the annual mini marathon and the entire corporate sponsors for making the event memorable. He said “I have added another feather to my cap.”

Prince Oyekan’s winning ticket No. 0056 was according to him a privilege he cherished with passion, stating that “I will always be part of the marathon and will use this car purposefully to create positive image for Hyundai brand quality and ingenuity both in Lagos and Nigeria as a whole. Eko oni baje, o baje ti,” the eminent traditionalist remarked.