2024 Gateway Games: Imo SWAN expresses concern over poor performance of State’s contingent

The Imo State Chapter of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria ( SWAN) has expressed deep concern over the poor performance of the state’s contingent at the just concluded National Sports Festival tagged ‘ Gateway Games’

In a communique it issued after it’s June meeting in Owerri, the association described the poor showing as the worst performance by the state since it started participating in the country’s version of the Olympics

Team Imo finished 16th overall with 4 Gold, 6 Silver, and 28 Bronze medals, a position which the association would have been better if the right things were done by the government.

According to the communique which was signed by the association’s Chairman, Cosmos Chukwuemeka, Secretary, Tunde Liadi, Anthony Ahize and Divine Amadi respectively, it charged the Imo State Sports Commission and coaches to eliminate sentiments and favoritism in athlete selection, noting that the state failed to field its best athletes in several events which resulted in her poor performance.

The Association also urged the state government to prioritize the welfare of athletes as adequate welfare incentives will curb the increasing poaching of Imo athletes by other states and foster better performance just as it frowned at the consistent delay in fund disbursement for major competitions which hinders preparation and performance.

The communique further called for the urgent upgrade and renovation of key sporting facilities across the state including; tartan tracks at Dan Anyiam Stadium, handball turf and stands at Grasshoppers Stadium, swimming pool behind Dan Anyiam practice pitch and provision of modern sports wheelchairs and kits for para-athletes even as it charged the Sports Commission and Ministry of Sports to engage retired, experienced coaches on a part-time basis as their expertise will significantly boost the state’s team competitiveness.

The body also expressed dissatisfaction with the apparels worn by the state contingent during the opening ceremony of the Festival; saying that the outfits did not befit the status of ‘Team Imo’ and that it contributed to difficulties in identifying the state’s during competitions due to non-availability of kits. It urged relevant authorities to ensure that in future, the state representatives appear more dignified and professionally attired at all national and international sporting events.

The association however, congratulated 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 the state such as; Jacinta Mbagwo (Para Table Tennis), Uchenna Anuruo & Isife Michael (Golf Doubles) and Mercy Nneka Onwuchekwa (Chess) with an appeal to the state government to offer them immediate employment as a form of reward and motivation for future athletes.

It also appealed to the 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 as this will ensure the return of the state’s best athletes.

The body also spoke about the importance of proper collaboration between the Ministry of Sports and Sports Commission to initiate regular training and refresher courses for coaches, to ensure they align with modern techniques and global standards.

As part of it’s recommendation on addressing the dwindling fortune of sports in the state, the association called for the replacement of aging athletes through proper grassroots sports development which includes; revival of secondary school games across all LGAs, in partnership with the Ministry of Education, positing that early camping of athletes should not be compromised.
It also called for the acquisition of safe, roadworthy buses (e.g., Marcopolo buses) for Team Imo, noting that the current dilapidated Coaster buses compromise athlete safety and post-travel performance.

On Heartland relegation from the NPFL, the body expressed deep concern over the development, urging the government to strengthen support structures to ensure the club’s quick return to topflight football.

The body while commending Heartland Queens for retaining their NWFL status, charged the technical crew and management 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.

In the same vein, it applauded Kun Khalifat FC for reaching the NNL Super 8 playoffs with a call on the Imo State Government to provide strategic support to aid the team’s promotion to the topflight.
The communique concluded with the association reaffirming its dedication to promoting professionalism, accountability, and development in sports reporting and administration in the state, with an appeal call to all stakeholders- including the Imo State Government, Ministry of Sports, and Sports Commission to take decisive actions based on their resolutions for the betterment of sports in the state