BY NATIONAL PANEL REPORTERS
Ebonyi State Chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN, Tuesday, while observing its annual week in Abakaliki, restated its commitment towards sports development in the state.
The SWAN Chairman in the state, Mr Emmanuel Anike Nnaji described the event as a long-awaited one and also unveiled the plan of the Association to honour individuals who had distinguished themselves in the field of sports.
According to him, "this year's SWAN week in Ebonyi State is unique because we will be honouring notable individuals who have created and distinguished themselves in their various achievements in the field of sports and excellent contributions to raising the bar for future generations in the State and Nigeria as a whole."
He extolled the SWAN President in Nigeria, Honor Sirawo for working tirelessly to give the association a facelift, both in the country and internationally.
Nnaji noted that through the efforts of the national leadership of SWAN, its members in Ebonyi State and Nigeria, in general, can today walk boldly without fear or intimidation.
He recalled the difficulty faced by the members to navigate the past few weeks while preparing for the main day, saying they made such efforts to ensure their week came into fruition and to demonstrate their affection and encouragement with high spirits towards revamping the sports system in the state.
The Chairman further stated: "The annual sports SWAN Week is a tradition that started ever since SWAN was established in 1964. My heart is overjoyed to see such enthusiastic preparations by all SWAN members in the state who will be carrying forward the torch of sports drills.
"I promise that every year the level of anticipation and programs will keep increasing. It will make us more excited to see what’s coming ahead.
"Sporting activities teach journalists many important life lessons. It teaches discipline, focus, dedication, hard work, commitment, and teamwork.
"And it is our responsibility as SWAN members to value sportsmanship and award the courage of adults and students to take action rather than focusing on politics and amassing wealth.
"Sports instil plenty of values that help individuals to cruise through life with honesty and responsibility for themselves and others.
"It also allows people to be agile and fit that only increases the concentration in whatever they do and the willingness to perform better in any field. Sport is an amazing concept that improves the lives of people.
"Students especially need to take part in sports that they find fun because participating in sports will not only help them to improve their physical health but will also give them the mental energy to cope and study well.
"It will help them to stay fit and to have a healthy and positive life. Sports also play a very important role in having stable and healthy mental health. Mental health should not be taken lightly. To have a holistic and healthy life, people should also take care of their mental health. It plays a great role in keeping them happy and focused.
"By physically playing various kinds of sports, people will also realize that they can focus and concentrate better in politics, business, and academic work.
"I would like to take this opportunity to thank the heroes who always work behind the scenes and make every event in SWAN Ebonyi State successful including this year's SWAN Week.
"Thanks to Online Media practitioners in Ebonyi State for identifying with us, it is because of your hard work that we can give undivided attention to the event and not worry about anything else.
"Last but not least, I am a witness to the effort put in by Ebonyi State Government, at every stage and guiding the State. Without any further ado, let us begin the Week. Thank you all for your time!"
