NSF: SWAN decries athletes poaching, recommend National Data Bank as sports fiesta draws curtain in Asaba
The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has taken swipe at the just concluded National Sports Festival (NSF), that saw the host state Delta cart away more than half of overall medals at the fiesta
In a post-event assessment of the 2022 NSF held in Delta, SWAN pointed out that the fiesta has continued to be marred by athletes buy-over and poaching.
The evaluation was contained in a communique issued at the end of SWAN National Convention which took place at Asaba, on 9th December.
The communique reads: “The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), held its National Convention on Friday, 9th December, 2022, at Cyson Hotel, Asaba, Delta State; wherein activities of the 21st National Sports Festival (NSF) were x-rayed.
“The Convention declared open by the Honourable Minister of Youth & Sports Development, Sunday Dare with over 210 Sports Journalists in attendance, resolves as follows:
“SWAN lauds athletes and officials representing various States of the federation for their spirit of competitiveness, sportsmanship and determination to win laurels.
“SWAN ommends Delta State Government under the leadership of Senator Ifeanyi Okowa for hosting a successful Sports Festival as reflected in the provision of world-class facilities, serene and conducive environment for all participants.
“SWAN calls for the setting-up of a National Data Bank for reference purposes and condemns poaching of athletes in order to encourage the development of home grown talents.
“SWAN urges States to invest in talents discovery by organising mini Sports Festivals and advocates punishment for officials/umpires who engage in sharp practices to serve as deterrence to others.
“SWAN recommends medical and fitness certification tests on athletes from states level to Festival proper to check negligence that may result to unwarranted situations, as witnessed in the unfortunate death of a boxer, Chukwuemeka Igboanugo, representing Imo state.
“SWAN suggests the need to consider co-hosting of Sports Festivals by states in view of the present challenging economic situation in order to ensure timely hosting of the event every two years.
“SWAN sues for the resuscitation of SWAN President’s membership of the Main Organising Committee (MOC) to entrench quality media service delivery and applauds Delta State for according Sports Writers comfortable working environment.”
The Sports summit was declared open by the Minister of Youth & Sports Development, Sunday Dare and was also attended by the Delta State Commissioner of Information and Chairman sub committee of Media and publicity of 2022 NSF, Mr Charles Aniagwu.