Ambassador Bazunu calls for higher standard ahead 2024 GCU Relays

As the countdown continues to the 2024 Government College Ughelli (GCU) Relays, Olympian Ruks Bazunu has called for improvements in the technical handling of the event, especially in the spheres of time management.

This years’ edition of the GCU Relays will hold on November 9, in Ughelli, Delta State, and the United States of America-based GCU Relays Ambassador, who is now on vacation in Warri, Delta State, has equally made strong recommendations about the utilisation of modern track tools (Starter Guns) that meet with global best practices and World Athletics.

“We must be working around the Police permits that limits the use and transportation of the blank Starter Guns to the venues,” he said, adding “these guns are well synchronised with the Time Tronics photo finish equipment, thus making for accurate times to be returned by the athletes.

“Again, we must make vast improvements in the areas of time management, beginning from the athletes screening and accreditations to the Technical Officiating Officials (NAATO) speedy lanes allocation, call room processing, finishing line judgment, collation and announcement of results.”

Bazunu, who was the fastest schoolboy sprinter in Nigeria in the late 60s, recalls with nostalgia, his exploits at the 1972 Munich Olympics and the 1973 All Africa Games in Lagos.

“Beginning with the 1972 Munich Olympics, I was the only civilian in the 100m sprints and 4x100m relays. My other colleagues, such as Oyebanmi, Alani, Ojo, Kola, and Majekodunmi came from the Military and the Police.”

“All of these names, including Modupe Oshikoya rolled into the 1973 All Africa Games Athletics team. Those were glorious days of Nigeria’s track and field.

“In looking forward to this year’s GCU Relays, my advice and contribution would be that there is always room for improvements, particularly, in the area of time keeping and professionalism,” he stated.

The 6th GCU Relays holds on November 9, 2024 at the modern tartan tracks, which is now undergoing some repairs.