In assuring the world that the Mare festival of mountaineering being held in Idanre was not justa whiff of brain wave to cajole and deceive the people of Ondo State for propaganda sake, the state government has sponsored the 11-year-year old winner of the 2009 mountain climbing contest. Master Sunday Akinwumi and his father on a tour of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).The state Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Mr Deji Falae, in company with his Information and Strategy counterpart, Mr kayode Akinmade, disclosed this to media men in Akure, Ondo State, shortly before the winner, his father and some state officials departed for Dubai on Monday. Mr Falae disclosed that Akinwunmi, who could not go to Spain last year as earlier planned, because of the heavy snow recorded in the country, would seize the opportunity of the visit to interact with international mountain climbers.The tourism commissioner informed that Governor Mimiko 'is living up to his promise made at the 2009 Mare festival that whoever wins would savour the success with one of his relations.'He pointed out that ' it will be recalled that an 11- year-old boy, Sunday Akinwunmi, skillfully beat all the professional mountain climbers who participated in the 2009 Mare mountain climbing competition here in Idanre, Ondo State, relying mostly on his native intelligence. Such a lad would perform wonders if given proper exposure.'Mr Falae also revealed that the Dubai trip was not the only reward the winner would enjoy. He disclosed that Akinwunmi had been enjoying scholarship since last year, that would cover his entire education to the university level.The commissioner said Governor Mimiko realised the pull and push factors which enhance and build the determination to excel by an individual living within a rural set up, thus the sharing of the largesse which accompanied a son's success by his father.'It is a stimulant to other parents not only to ensure that their children are well brought up but also that if they support them in building up their talents and what they love most to do, the parents too stand the chance of benefiting directly from their children' success.'He revealed that Master Akinwumi had been scheduled to meet renowned international mountaineers in Abu Dhabi, Dubai to learn and share notes on how he could do better.'The reason for the Dubai trip is to expose the young man to international ethics, mountaineering techniques and secrets which have been the testament of professional mountain climbers.'Governor Mimiko's Caring Heart agenda is also committed to exposing the local talents to international competition and peer note-sharing.Mr Falae informed that Governor Mimiko had also set up the 2011 Mare festival committee which has been charged to ensure a grand celebration this year.The commissioner disclosed that the 2011 edition of the competition would hold between December 15 and 17 when scores of international climbers would converge on Idanre, venue of the festival, for the annual even adding that that this year's Mare competition would be unique in so many ways, as it had been packaged to attract global attention.Mare festival is part of the tourism boosting programmes of the Mimiko-led government and it has drawn international attention to the state since it debuted three years ago.The festival attracted over 2,000 visitors to Ondo State with its attendant's consequences on the economy of the state.
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