By AbdulRaheem Aodu
Kaduna
The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has urged the federal government and other stakeholders to provide Team Nigeria with necessary support to excel in the 2016 Rio Olympics.
Speaking in a communique issued at the end of its second National Executive Council meeting yesterday in Port Harcourt, Rivers state, jointly signed by Yusuf Isah, Jude Opara and Chigozie Chukwuleta, SWAN urged the Cross Rivers state government to expedite action on completing the facilities that would host the 2016 National Sports Festival.
The meeting that was presided over by the SWAN National President, Honour Sirawoo, deliberated on issues affecting the Association and sports development in Nigeria, while assuring members of its resolve to reposition the association in line with the ideals of the founding fathers and the international affiliates.
“NEC called on the Federal Government and other stakeholders to provide all the necessary support to the country’s contingent to the 2016 Olympic Games which begin later this week in Rio, Brazil. The meeting urged the government of Cross River state to expedite action on putting in place facilities for the hosting of the forthcoming National Sports Festival in November.
“In line with its aim of repositioning sports in the country, the meeting equally endorsed the setting up of the SWAN Platform Committee, aimed at giving sports administrators and federations the opportunity to constantly brief the nation on their activities.
NEC also approved the setting up of a seven-man committee for the organisation of the SWAN President’s Cup next year.
“In order to weed quacks from its fold, NEC mandated the Zonal Vice Presidents to immediately compile list of authentic members in their zones for its proposed national data base. NEC assured all members of its resolve to reposition the Association in line with the ideals of its founding fathers as well as its international affiliates.”
SWAN however commended the federal government and the Rivers state government for their efforts in developing sports in the country and for supporting SWAN activities.
