The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria ( SWAN) has expressed concern over the issue of age cheats at National Youth Games and called for a review of awarding medals and monetary rewards to winners which is largely responsible for the desperation by states and their coaches to win at all cost.
It further stated that for the issue of age cheats to be checked, there is need for hybrid screening process with biometrics and NIN as against facial screening noting the importance of organisers to impress on coaches to only field athletes that are U-15 at NYG.
This formed part of the communique issued by the association at the end of it’s National Convention held at Cyston , Hotel, Asaba, Delta State.
According to the communique, the body, while commending Delta State under the leadership of Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori for hosting a successful NYG, called for establishment of a High Performance Centre and or review of such existing facility to take care of nurturing of discovered athletes.
On accreditation of journalists, SWAN called for a better and more coordinated accreditation process for journalists in future editions of the Games for proper logistics planning just as it also called for a more effective and efficient preparation of Medals Table with a recommendation of the establishment of an Information and Communication Technology , ICT, Unit, and involvement of SWAN members in the compilation of Medals’ Table.
The communique further commended Delta State for medical response but called for a more robust Medical Corps to ensure there are Medical Teams at all venues and reduction in response time for emergencies.
The convention also praised Delta State for being a lover of sports; a gesture that propelled it to host various sporting activities, with Zenith Basketball League billed for the State in a few days time, while calling on the Federal Government to make more funds available for sponsorship of national competitions to ease the burden on host states.
On poaching of athletes ahead of national competition, the body noted that this should be discouraged with a call on states to shun quick-win mentality, but take time to prepare their athletes for competitions.
SWAN noted, with dismay, the poor kitting of athletes by states and advised that they should ensure that their athletes are properly kitted, including the use of spike shoes.
The body commended all NYG host states past and present, including Kano, FCT, Kwara and Delta for supporting the growth of the Games.
The Convention noted the need for Sports Journalists to improve their skills and deepen their knowledge of various sports for effective discharge of their duties.
On curbing unemployment in the society, the body called on State Governments and Local Government Areas to prioritise the development of Sports and Youth to curb unemployment, criminality and other social vices; and advocated investing in the discovery of hidden sporting potentials by organising Intra-State and other Mini Sports Competitions, and recommended stiffer punishment for officials/referees and or umpires of sports who indulge in sharp practices.
The Convention congratulated Isaiah Kemje Benjamin, on his election as President of SWAN as well as other elected officials of the association at the 2023 Trianial Delegate Conference held in Omoku, Rivers State and lauded its National leadership for the exemplary and dogged manner it has piloted the affairs of the professional body so far.
The National Convention was chaired by the SWAN National President, Mr. Isaiah Kemje Benjamin, and was declared open by Minister of Sports Development, Sen. John Owan Enoh, who was represented by the Director of Press, Federal Ministry of Sports Development, Mohammed Manga (FCAI).
The Chairman, Delta State Sports Commission, Tonobok Okowa was represented by the Head of Media Committee of 2023 NYG, Moses Etu.
