COMMUNIQUE ISSUED BY THE SPORTS WRITERS ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA (SWAN), IMO STATE CHAPTER, AT THE END OF HER JUNE MONTHLY CONGRESS HELD IN OWERRI
Following a critical review of Team Imo’s performance at the recently concluded Ogun 2024 National Sports Festival (Gateway Games)where the state finished 16th overall with 4 Gold, 6 Silver, and 28 Bronze medals-the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Imo Chapter, issued the following communique to express deep concerns over the team’s poor showing, the worst in the history of the team’s participation at the Festival. SWAN Imo hereby presents the following observations and recommendations aimed at repositioning the state’s sports sector for excellence in future competitions.
- Merit-Based Team Selection
SWAN, Imo charges the Imo State Sports Commission and coaches to eliminate sentiments and favoritism in athlete selection. The association notes that Team Imo failed to field its best athletes in several events. Henceforth, selections must be merit-driven to ensure fairness and optimal performance.
- Athletes’ Welfare Should Be Paramount
The Association strongly urges the state government to prioritize the welfare of athletes. Adequate welfare incentives will curb the increasing poaching of Imo athletes by other states and foster better performance.
- Timely Release of Competition Funds
SWAN, Imo frowns at the consistent delay in fund disbursement for major competitions. This hinders preparation and performance. The association calls on the administration of His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma, to ensure early release of funds to enable proper planning and execution.
- Urgent Upgrade of Sporting Facilities
Imo athletes cannot perform optimally with dilapidated equipment and poor facilities. SWAN, Imo calls for urgent renovation of key sporting infrastructures, including:
• Tartan tracks at Dan Anyiam Stadium
• Handball turf and stands at Grasshoppers Stadium
• Swimming pool behind the Dan Anyiam practice pitch
• Provision of modern sports wheelchairs and kits for para-athletes
- Engagement of Experienced Coaches
The Association recommends that the Sports Commission and Ministry of Sports engage retired, experienced coaches on a part-time basis. Their expertise will significantly boost Team Imo’s competitiveness.
- Commendation of Outstanding Athletes
The body commends all medal-winning athletes at the Festival, particularly Favour Okehie of Darts that won four medals including a gold medal and other individuals that won gold medals for Team Imo listed below:
• Favour Okehie (Darts)
• Jacinta Mbagwo (Para Table Tennis)
• Uchenna Anuruo & Isife Michael (Golf Doubles)
• Mercy Nneka Onwuchekwa (Chess)
SWAN calls on the Imo government to offer these five immediate employment as a form of reward and motivation for future athletes.
- Official Reception for Medal-Winning Athletes
SWAN appeals to the Imo State Government to host and celebrate athletes who won medals at the Edo 2020, Delta 2022, and Ogun 2024 editions of the National Sports Festival. This will ensure our best athletes return home.
- Coaches’ Capacity Development
The Association calls for collaboration between the Ministry of Sports and Sports Commission to initiate regular training and refresher courses for coaches, ensuring they are aligned with modern techniques and global standards.
- Revival of Grassroots Sports
To replace aging athletes and prevent poaching, Imo must focus on grassroots development. SWAN urges the revival of secondary school games across all LGAs, in partnership with the Ministry of Education. The need for early camping should not be compromised.
- Provision of Safe and Functional Transport
SWAN, Imo calls for the acquisition of safe, roadworthy buses (e.g., Marcopolo buses) for Team Imo. The current dilapidated Coaster buses compromise athlete safety and post-travel performance.
- Heartland FC Relegation
The body expresses deep concern over Heartland FC’s relegation from the NPFL. The association urges the government to strengthen support structures to ensure a swift return to topflight football.
- Heartland Queens’ NWFL Status
SWAN commends Heartland Queens for retaining their NWFL status. However, the technical crew and management are urged to intensify efforts for a stronger league performance next season while appealing to the government to improve the club’s welfare package to help motivate them next season.
- Support for Kun Khalifat FC
SWAN, Imo applauds Kun Khalifat FC for reaching the NNL Super 8 playoffs and calls on the Imo State Government to provide strategic support to aid the team’s promotion to the topflight.
- Match-Fixing Allegation Against Campos FC
The body urges the NFF Appeals Committee to expedite and ensure a transparent process in the alleged match-fixing case involving Campos FC.
- Apparel and Public Image of State Contingent
SWAN, Imo expresses dissatisfaction with the apparels worn by the state contingent during the opening ceremony of the Ogun 2024 National Sports Festival. The outfits did not befit the status of Team Imo. Additionally, it was difficult to identify Team Imo athletes while competing due to non-availability of kits for them. The Association urges the relevant authorities to ensure that future state representatives appear more dignified and professionally attired at all national and international sporting events.
Conclusion
SWAN, Imo reaffirms its dedication to promoting professionalism, accountability, and development in sports reporting and administration in the state. The Association calls on all stakeholders- including the Imo State Government, Ministry of Sports, and Sports Commission to take decisive actions based on the above resolutions for the betterment of sports in Imo State.
Communique Drafting Committee
• Tunde Liadi
• Anthony Ahize
• Divine Amadi (Dica Divine)Signed :
Cosmos Chukwuemeka
Chairman, SWAN Imo
