‎SWAN Honours 50 Ondo Sports Icons, Demands Better Facilities ‎

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Ondo State Chapter, has honoured 50 sports personalities, administrators, coaches and other stakeholders for their contributions to the development and promotion of sports in the state.
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‎The award, tagged “Ondo 50 Sports Icons Award”, was held in Akure as part of activities marking the 50th anniversary of the creation of Ondo State.
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‎Among those honoured were former Governor of the state, Dr Olusegun Mimiko; former Chairman of the Nigeria Premier Football League, Gbenga Elegbeleye; and former Chairman of the Ondo State Football Agency, Otunba Akinsola Akinbobola.
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‎Speaking at the event, SWAN National President, Isaiah Benjamin, represented by the Vice-President, South-West, Ayodeji Ogunsakin, commended the Ondo chapter for recognising individuals who had contributed to the growth of sports in the state over the past five decades.
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‎Benjamin described the Ondo chapter as one of the most vibrant in the country and urged its leadership to sustain its efforts in promoting sports development.
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‎The Ondo State SWAN Chairman, Segun Giwa, said the awards were designed to preserve the history of sports in the state and recognise those whose sacrifices and achievements had contributed to its growth.
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‎Giwa said many sporting heroes from the state achieved success despite inadequate facilities and limited resources, stressing the need for improved support for athletes.
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‎He called on the government to provide functional sporting facilities, competent coaches, regular competitions, welfare packages and medical support for athletes, while strengthening sports associations at the grassroots.
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‎He said, “As Ondo State celebrates 50 years of creation, SWAN felt strongly that the story of Ondo at 50 would be incomplete without properly documenting and celebrating the contribution of sports to the development and identity of the state.”
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‎Representing Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the Chief Press Secretary, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, said the state government would partner with SWAN to promote sporting activities and further develop the sector.

The chairman of the occasion and OSOPADEC Executive Chairman, Prince Olabiyi Olaleye Poroye, represented by the Executive Director, Projects, Dr Olujimi Kufo, said sports could promote youth development, social integration, employment and economic empowerment.
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‎Poroye urged the government, private sector, sports associations and the media to create an enabling environment for athletes, while calling on the awardees to mentor younger talents.