SWAN thumbs up IMSG for hosting 2023 National Volleyball Leagues
Photo: Imo SWAN chairman, Everest Ezihe (left) with Imo State Deputy Governor Prof Placid Njoku.
From Everest Ezihe, Owerri
The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN Imo Chapter has congratulated the Imo State Government for the successful hosting of the first phase of the 2023 National Divisions 1 and 2 Volleyball Leagues.
The competition ended last Saturday at the Dan Anyiam International Stadium Owerri.
SWAN Imo through its Chairman, Rotarian Everest Ezihe and Secretary, Mr. Tunde Liadi expressed happiness to the State government led by Senator Hope Uzodimma for ensuring that the Eastern Heartland hosted a national competition for the first time since 1998 when Imo hosted the National Sports Festival.
The Sports Journalists also appreciated the efforts of the Nigeria Volleyball Federation, NVF, through their President, Engr. Musa Nimrod and the 2nd Vice President who’s also the State Comptroller of Immigration, Mrs Nkechi Ezugwu in ensuring that the championship was staged in Imo State.
SWAN, Imo also expressed satisfaction with the significant functions played by the Imo State Commissioner for Youth, Sports and Social Development, Chief Emeka Okoronkwo and the State Director of Sports, Imo Sports Commission, Sir Ferdinand Emeana for the synergy with which the competition was seamlessly executed.
According to the association, “We want to appreciate Imo State Government under the leadership of Governor, Hope Uzodimma for attracting the competition to Imo State and breaking the jinx that was last witnessed in the state in 1998 under Military Administration of Lt. Col.Tanko Zubairu. Imo people both old and young for the first time in recent time trouped out in their thousands and watched the best of Volleyball.
“We cannot fail to maintain the sterling contributions of the Vice President Nigeria Volleyball Federation and the Comptroller Nigeria Immigration Service, Mrs Nkechi Ezugwu; Imo State Commissioner for Youth, Sports and Social Development, Honourable Emeka Okoronkwo; Director of Sports, Imo Sports Commission, Sir Ferdinand Emeana for ensuring that the competition was a huge success.”
SWAN, Imo also commended the state for raising two teams: men and women’s Heartland Spikers that competed in the first phase of the Volleyball Leagues in Division 2 and 1 respectively even though the Sports Journalists were not pleased with the performances of both teams while the competition lasted.
The Association recalled that the male Heartland VC Spikers under division 2 played 10 matches lost 5 and won 5 while the female team under division one played only 2 games and Lost all. These Imo SWAN said are unacceptable, considering the historical pedigree of the State when it comes to Volleyball.
The association patriotically advised for a special attention be given to the male and female volleyball teams to ensure that they not only attend the second phase but also prepared adequately so that they can get promotion to Division 1 and premier league at the end of the season in that order.
In another development, SWAN, Imo Is also commending the state Government for accepting to host the second phase of the National Handball League scheduled to hold in October this year.
The Association applauds the good gesture of Governor Hope Uzodimma for accepting to host another national competition but passionately advised that the Grasshoppers Stadium, Owerri deserves total accelerated renovation and upliftment so as to scale accreditation for the hosting right.
The Sports Journalists also appealed to the State Government on the news to give priority attention to the preparations of Heartland Grasshoppers so that they won’t play second fiddle at the championship.
Imo SWAN assured the State government of their ever willing for collaborative partnership as critical stakeholders when it comes to sports development, upliftment and transformation.
