Sports | Imo SWAN expresses worries over the running of sporting activities in the state
Imo SWAN expresses worries over the running of sporting activities in the state
A Communique Issued By Members Of The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, Imo Chapter After Her emergency Meeting Held on Wednesday April 27th, 2022 At Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri.
Below are the resolution of the members at the end of the emergency meeting:
1.The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Imo state chapter expresses worries over the running of sports and coverage of sporting activities in the state and therefore is urging the state government to check the dismal performances of Heartland FC in the ongoing Nigeria Professional Football League NPFL campaign and that of its appendages in the lower division.
2. Imo SWAN noted with dismay the attitude of the Youth and Sports Commissioner, Hon Chike Dan Ogu towards members of the association in the area of media relationship and charging him to make the necessary adjustment by according the body its statutory respect for the growth and development of sports in the Eastern Heartland.
3. The body also frowned at the ill reportage of the event of the state government in the area of Sports, taking into cognizance that it is the statutory duty of SWAN to report sports around the country. The Association expressed his surprise at the inability of the Honourable Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Dan Ogu to convey a chat with the body in the past one year to address members on the latest developments regarding facility upgrade and other sporting happenings in the state, rather he has decided to use his own unprofessional media aides to report to the public which has contributed immensely to the under reportage of sporting activities in the state.
4. The very 1st edition of the National Para -Games in Abuja where the contingent from Imo placed 6th in the competition final table with 59 medals which consist of 16 gold, 25 silver and 18 bronze medals was equally under reported because SWAN was again sidelined and as such Imo people were robbed the opportunity of appreciating the para-athletes who did the state proud and were not giving full credit for their heroic and gallant outing.
5. The body also wants to urge the state Governor, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma to as a matter of urgency look into the issues surrounding our darling Heartland FC of Owerri. Your Excellency, if you have not been informed, the club is currently battling to survive relegation to the lower division. Concerted effort is needed to avoid this ugly development so that it won't be allowed to stain your record after your conscious efforts through your 3R/Shared Prosperity mantra to get Imo better.
6. Imo SWAN observed that the condition of the playing surface of the Dan Anyiam Stadium is very deplorable that it is even a disadvantage to Heartland FC while playing which reduces their chances of winning games and picking up points at home. The playing surface is overgrown with weeds and it is an hindrance to free movement of the ball. The Association asks that the playing surface be rehabilitated to match the good works already done in the other sections of the mainbowl.
7. Imo Sports Writers found out that the camp where Heartland FC stays to strategize and lay their heads has also become a subject of ridicule based on the pictures that trended a few days ago online where players of the team were seen stranded outside the premises of a hotel as they were denied access into it barely moments after doing the state proud by picking three maximum points on that same day against Plateau United.
8. Imo SWAN pleads that the camp and logistics of the team be fixed so that the players can be properly managed, their activities and movement are better tracked and to always be in the right frame of mind to tackle each game as professionals. The body also urges Imo Government to provide an official car to the technical crew as it is not befitting for members of technical crew to be seen hopping on public transport to attend trainings and home games.
9. Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, Imo Chapter also calls on the state Government to beam its searchlight on the various sporting Associations which have gone almost moribund with exception of one or two sporting Associations due to the dissolution of the sports Associations by the Imo state Ministry of Sports. The body also frowns at the almost total neglect of other sports which have the potential of putting the state on the worldmap and the Association urges the Imo government to help motivate other sports and to ensure funds are available for them to attend competitions within and outside the state.
10. Bonafide Sports Writers in the state also expressed dismay at the inability of the Heartland FC Under 15 team to attend the ongoing NPFL/La Liga Promises in Ikenne, Ogun State citing financial constraints. By this unpopular action, youths of the state have been deprived opportunity to fraternize with their peers from other states and also denied the golden chance for their talent to be spotted and exposed.
E-Signed
Chairman
