COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE END OF SPORTS WRITERS ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA (SWAN) NATIONAL CONVENTION HELD DURING THE 8th NATIONAL YOUTH GAMES AT THE VIP LOUNGE OF THE STEPHEN KESHI STADIUM, ASABA
The National Convention presided over by the President of SWAN, Isaiah Benjamin, had top Sports dignitaries from Delta State and Other Parts of the country.
The Convention after deliberations on the 8th National Youth Games resolves as follows:
- The SWAN President commended Delta State Chapter of the association for effective mobilisation of the full compliment of sports stakeholders in Delta State and called on other chapters to take a cue in their various states by ensuring that top personalities of different backgrounds are made part of the activities of the association in their respective states.
- SWAN commended the Delta State Government for a successful organisation and hosting of the 8th NYG and for showing demonstrable commitment to the development of sports in Nigeria.
- The Convention deliberated on the proposal hinted by the Minister of Sports Development for a possible return to the 17 years age bracket for the Youth Games as against the present 15 years age bracket and called for a proper consideration of the pros and cons of the idea while calling for a strengthened screening system to check age cheating.
- SWAN however called for the revival of school sports system as the starting point of the developmental programme.
- SWAN called for consistency on the part of sports federations to ensure that the equivalent of equipment used for training are used for the competition proper.
- The Convention observed with concern the complaints emanating from coaches and officials with regards to alleged acts of unfairness and favouritism which often spark controversy in some Sports Federations.
- The Convention called on the Federations and the Sports Ministry to develop an effective database to serve as reference points and comparison for athletes and their performance records.
- SWAN called on the Sports Ministry to develop and apply a scientific and globally acceptable standard screening system that will eradicate repeated age cheat issues.
- SWAN frowned at States that either failed to attend or presented few athletes and called on the State Governments to give priority to the Youth Games as breeding grounds for talent hunts.
- The Convention expressed worry over the plight of veterans and national athletes who in most cases are not able to meet their needs and medical bills in their later years and called on federal and state governments to set up an insurance scheme and pay greater attention to these sets of people.
- The Association however advised active athletes to complement their earnings with education to enable them better secure their wealth considering the short span of their earning period.
- SWAN called for a revisit of the national sports policy to guarantee sustainability of progress in the sector.
- SWAN reviewed progress made so far by Ogun State, in preparation for the upcoming National Sports Festival scheduled for January, 2025 and expressed satisfaction that the State has what it takes to stage the best ever elite Sports competition, while urging the host to accord priority attention to sports writers that would be covering the event.
Signed:
Communique Drafting Committee
Chimezie Anaso – Chairman
Michael-Azeez Ogunsiji – Secretary
Abel Leonard – Member
Ikenna Okonkwo
Secretary-General, SWAN
September 20, 2024.
