SWAN congratulates AIPS on historic anniversary
The President, National Executive Committee (NEC) and the entire body of Sports Journalists in Nigeria have congratulated the President of the International Sports Press Association (AIPS), Mr. Gianni Merlo and the President, AIPS-Africa, Mr. Mitchel Obi on the occasion of the 96 years anniversary of the world body, billed for Thursday, July 2, 2020.
This memorable day will also herald the first edition of the e-Conference to mark the World Sports Journalists Day with the theme; “Has Covid-19 affected journalists’ independence and future?”
No doubt, this innovation is an aftermath of the effects of the deadly Covid-19 global pandemic.
SWAN in her message stated: “Under your able guidance, AIPS which was founded in 1924 in Paris, France has grown to become a body that must be reckoned with when it comes to coverage and reporting of sporting events around the world.
We in Nigeria are particularly happy with your leadership style which has in a no small way democratized the activities of the Association by ensuring that member bodies from different parts of the world felt the impact of the Association. Granting Nigeria the hosting Rights for the next AIPS Executive Committee meeting is a notable case study.
Also, membership and issuance of cards have become very seamless since you assumed office and I must add that in Africa, the Regional President has also helped majorly to ensure that sports journalists get all the necessary support they needed to function at all times.
Even, with the emergence of the covid-19 pandemic, you equally demonstrated your rare leadership style by constantly checking on your member nations and affiliates to ascertain their state of health and how they have been impacted by the scourge.
In a moment of extreme uncertainty in the world of sports, the aim of the AIPS to unify the global sporting media by celebrating its origins is highly commendable.”
