Some 24 hours to the 17th edition of the Mount Cameroon Race of Hope for 2012, officials and members of the local organising committees have decided to take the bull by the horns. Thus, alongside the local population, they converged at the Buea ceremonial ground, Bongo’s Square on Tuesday February 14 for the launch of activities to mark the race. The event was chaired by the Secretary General at the South West Governor’s Office, Quetong Handerson Kongeh, in place of the Governor, Chairman of the local organising committee. The President of the South West Regional Athletics League, Motomby Mbome Emmanuel explained that this year’s preparations have registered a major innovation. He cited the early disbursement of funds to the local committee since Sunday February 12. He requested a standing ovation for the new Minister of Sports and Physical Education, Adoum Garoua, for correcting what he termed almost 80% of past errors. He equally announced the come-back of veteran champion, Sarah Liengu Etonge (Queen of the Mountain), even after her retirement in 2009.

In his launching note, Quetong Handerson called on all local stakeholders to play their roles effectively by putting in place the necessary ground work, stressing on the need for a hitch-free race given that it precedes the celebrations of 50th Anniversary of Cameroon’s Reunification to be held in Buea.

Ahead of the race proper, billed for tomorrow Saturday February 18, a series of activities have been animating Buea. Wednesday 15 saw a general clean up campaign in Buea and environs. Thursday 16 was programmed for the medical check-up of the athletes at the Regional Delegation of Public Health. The official launching ceremony is slated for this Friday 17, to be chaired by the Minister of Sports and Physical Education, Adoum Garoua, at the Molyko Omnisport Stadium at 2 pm. The high mark of the ceremony will be the laying of the foundation stone of Sarah Liengu Etonge’s long awaited residence; while the evening will see the election of Miss Race of Hope.