NYG: SWAN Commends NSC, Urges Measures To Check Age Falsification
The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has commended the National Sports Commission (NSC) for successfully hosting the ninth edition of the National Youth Games in Asaba, Delta State.
This was contained in a Communique issued after the SWAN national convention held at the end of 9th NYG at the Stephen Keshi Stadium Asaba.
The Communique was signed by Chimezie Anaso, Abel Leonard, Johnson Bassey Chairman, Secretary and member of the Communique drafting committee and Ikenna Okonkwo Secretary General, SWAN .
Team Lagos topped the medals table with 52 gold, 32 silver and 26 bronze, Delta and Edo were second and third with 37, 33 gold, 38,18 silver and 39 and 28 bronze respectively.
SWAN expressed concerns over the complaints of widespread age falsification by states and officials and called on the NSC to adopt enhanced measures of checking age falsification..
It said strict adherence to age limits would help to achieve the desired essence of grassroots sports development.
SWAN congratulated Team Lagos for winning the competition for the first time and urged hosts of subsequent editions to improve on the Delta State experience.
SWAN frowns at lack of deliberate investment in human capital development, especially in engaging the growing youth population through sports development.
The body appealed to State governments to grant access to sports journalists to cover sporting activities in their domain.
“SWAN notes with concern low or no participants by Ebonyi, Gombe, Zamfara, Borno and Kebbi at the 9th NYG.
“Aside from empowerment, SWAN emphasises the role of sports in curbing insecurity and improving citizens’ overall well-being.
“While wishing the Enugu State Government success in hosting 2026 National Sports Festival, we emphasise the need for timely upgrade/renovation of sports facilities ahead of the biennial event.
“SWAN reiterates calls for inclusion of its Enugu Chapter Chairman in the Local Organising Committee of the festival as it obtained in previous editions,” it said.
SWAN encouraged members to maintain professionalism in their day-to-day discharge of duties as well as ensure inclusion of women in the coverage of national competitions.
SWAN urged members to brace up for the celebration of its 60th Diamond Jubilee Anniversary scheduled for October while urging corporate organisations and indiv
iduals to partner with it.
