The President of the North West Regional Athletic League, Njick Banarbas, has expressed gratitude to the North West Regional Assembly for its financial support over the past two years.
Speaking on Cameroon Radio and Television’s flagship Sunday program, Cameroon Calling, Banarbas highlighted how the assembly’s funding has helped train and empower athletes in the region.
“If the region is successful, as seen in the just-ended 30th edition, it is partly because of the financial support from the assembly,” he said. “They have given us financial support to push athletics in the Northwest to the level where we find ourselves today.”
Banarbas further praised the President of the North West Regional Assembly, HRH. Fru Angwafo III, for taking the development of athletics as a serious mission.
“They have been so supportive of the Northwest Regional League, and our athletes are so thankful, especially to the President of the North West Regional Assembly, who has taken this as a serious assignment,” he stated.
Despite the support, he emphasised that athletes in the region still need more assistance.
“If we can really do much, I am sure we will contribute to our return to normalcy because these young people are channelling their energy into activities that are decent and can transform humanity,” he added.
Banarbas also expressed hope for lasting peace in the region, which would create a better training environment for athletes.
Northwest Dominated the Race
The 30th edition of the Mount Cameroon Race of Hope was dominated by athletes from the North West Regional Athletic League. The top three finishers in the Senior Men’s and Senior Women’s categories all hailed from the Northwest. Similarly, the first three positions in both the Junior Men’s and Women’s categories were also secured by North West athletes. Additionally, the top three relay winners across all categories came from the region.
These remarkable performances filled Njick Banarbas with pride.
“I am so delighted and thankful to these young people who have distinguished themselves in this very important event,” he said. “The fact that this serves as an inspiration to others in the region makes me a happy man.”
He expressed confidence in the future of athletics in the region.
“The future is bright. I am going home as a proud president. My region, despite the challenges we are facing, is still leading in sports and other aspects,” he stated.
Encouraging Athletes to Invest Wisely
Banarbas urged athletes to make good use of their earnings. He noted that they have been advising Mbororo athletes to invest in land and cattle.
“For those in cities, we encourage them to invest in businesses so that if the race is not there tomorrow, they can always make a living,” he said.
He credited the new generation of Mbororo winners to their discipline and lifestyle.
“They also live in the hills and master the terrain,” he added.
The Mount Cameroon Race of Hope was first introduced in 1973 and became an official race in 1975. While the first winners were from the Southwest, recent years have seen the North West region dominating the competition.
Each first-place winner in the senior categories took home 10 million FCFA.
