Major parties concerned with the preparation of the Mount Cameroon Race of Hope 2009 have begun putting issues into perspectives.

At a consultation tour in Buea, recently, the newly elected National Bureau of Cameroon Athletics Federation, led by Jacques Sebastien Mbous, and his newly elected peers of the Southwest Regional executives, chaired by Motomby Mbome, went visiting some stakeholders of the race.

The Bureau visited the Southwest Regional Governor, the Mayor of Buea Municipality, the Paramount Chief of Buea and the Southwest Regional Delegates of Tourism, Public Health Physical Education etc.

According to Mbous, it is time to begin work on the Race of Hope 2009. "The entire national executive is in the field to prepare the Race of Hope. We're concerting with the local authorities and all those who will contribute to make this year's race a huge success," he said.

Mbous pledged for continuity in management, having taken over from the Ange Sama-led team that had put in place some ground works for the 2009 Race of Hope. "The former bureau did some very good things. We'll continue from there. Those which were not properly done, we'll make them better," he said.

A month to the race, Mbous expressed confidence that they will succeed in organising the race.He dismissed fears that the Race will be organised in Yaounde and executed in Buea. "More responsibilities and power of attorney will be given to the local organising committee.

We're discussing with the Southwest Regional executives so that they take their responsibilities and stand up to the challenges that await them." Mbous said more sponsorship deals are being sought for as measures to give pomp to the event, while promising that the 14th edition of the Mount Cameroon Race of Hope will have a touch different from those of the yesteryears.

On his part, the Southwest Athletics President, Emmanuel Mbome Motomby, said, "We have been working and holding a series of preparatory meetings. The Race of Hope 2009 will be given a special colour. Flying men of yesteryears will be re-introduced. They made the race very interesting. Five of them, Frenchmen, have been invited this time around. Negotiations for their coming will be finalised in the days ahead."

The Southwest Regional President saw their activities going beyond the organisation of the Mount Cameroon Race of Hope. "Our mission as an Athletic Federation goes beyond the organisation of the Mountain Race. We need to harness talents and train them for subsequent competitions," Motomby said.

Motomby rejoiced that a grand sporting event is in the making, as many national and international athletes are indicating their willingness to be party to the Race of Hope 2009.

Contrary to an earlier announcement made by the out gone Federation President, Ange Sama, that the major prizes of the race have been moved to FCFA 5 million for the winner instead of FCFA 3 million, FCFA 3 million for the second position rather than 2 million as it was before and FCFA 2 million for the third position instead of 1 million, Mbous told The Post that the decision is yet to be ratified by the Ministry of Sports and Physical Education and the Board members of the Cameroon Athletics Federation.

The Mayor of Buea Municipality, Charles Mbella Moki, remarked that the Race of Hope 2009 will be one with a difference.