SWAN@60 : Archbishop Ugorji extols sports journalists in Imo State
By Athan Agbakwuru, Owerri
Photo : Archbishop Lucius I. Ugorji of Owerri Catholic Archdiocese(middle) poses with some members of Imo SWAN shortly after Sunday Church Service at the Maria Assumpta Cathedral, Owerri.
The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN, Imo State chapter last Sunday, October 26, 2025, joined their counterparts across the country to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the association with a thanksgiving church service held at the Maria Assumpta Cathedral, Owerri.
Addressing the congregation during his homily, the Catholic Archbishop of Owerri Archdiocese, Most Rev. Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, congratulated SWAN on its diamond jubilee celebration and stressed the importance of sports in people’s lives.
The Archbishop commended sports journalists in Imo and the country, at large, for the good work they are doing by keeping the populace up to date with sporting activities in Nigeria and beyond.
While appreciating SWAN for coming to thank God, the senior cleric reminded the Christian faithful of the importance and need of thanksgiving to the Creator.
He noted that during the Israelite era, towards the end of every year, the harvest period was observed, and it marked a time to thank God for a bountiful harvest because they were farmers.
In the same vein, he disclosed that towards the end of every year, all the associations in the church map out a day to thank God.
His words, “We need sports in order to be healthy. God has created us to move our joints, and so sports are part of what we need to do to remain healthy. Secondly, in sports, we learn to win and lose without bitterness.
Archbishop Ugorji therefore urged politicians to imbibe the spirit of sportsmanship during elections, emphasizing that electoral contest must not be taken as a do-or-die affair.
“Since only one candidate would emerge victorious after each polling, others should close ranks and prepare for the next one,” he said.
