.jpeg)
By Obeta Okun
The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has identified poaching of athletes ahead of national competitions, quick-win mentality and other sharp practices as challenges facing National Youth Games in the country.
SWAN, which disclosed this in a communique issued at the end of 2023 National Convention held at Asaba Delta State, amidst the ongoing 2023 National Youth Games, also expressed dismay, over the poor kitting of athletes by States and advised all to ensure that their athletes are properly kitted, including the use of spike shoes.
SWAN, however, commended Delta State under the leadership of Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori for hosting what it described as successful NYG, even as it commended the past hosts of the games such as Kano, FCT and Kwara.
The communique read in part thus, "The Convention observed with concern, issues/incidences of age cheat in the NYG which affected the objectives of the game negatively. SWAN called for the review of awarding medals and monetary rewards to winners which is largely responsible for the desperation by States and their coaches to win by any and every means.
"The Convention said poaching of athletes ahead of national competitions should be discouraged, and called on States to shun quick-win mentality, but take time to prepare their athletes for competitions.
"The Convention called for establishment of a High Performance Centre and or review of such existing facility to take care of nurturing of discovered athletes. SWAN called for a better and more coordinated accreditation process for journalists in future editions of the Games for proper logistics planning.
"SWAN called for a more effective and efficient preparation of Medals Table for easily available and accessible Medal Positions. It further recommended the establishment of an Information and Communication Technology , ICT, Unit, and involvement of SWAN members in the compilation of Medals' Table.
"SWAN also called for prompt release and update of results at the Event venues. SWAN recommended that the Federal Government should harvest discovered athletes at NYG and groom them for sustenance of their progress.
"SWAN called for a more objective officiating by umpires to forestall future displeasure by competing and not demoralise genuine competitors. SWAN called for hybrid screening process with biometrics and NIN as against facial screening
"The Convention commended the Delta State Government for good hosting and called for a better planning for the Media in areas of accommodation and transport to Games venues. SWAN commended Delta State for medical response but called for a more robust Medical Corps to ensure there are Medical Teams at all Venues and reduction in response time for emergencies.
"SWAN enjoined the organisers to impress on coaches to only field athletes that are U-15 at NYG. Yhe convention commended Delta State for being a lover of sports, a gesture that propelled the State to host various sporting activities, with Zenith Basketball League billed for the State in a few days time, while calling on the Federal Government to make more funds available for sponsorship of national competitions to ease the burden on host States.
"SWAN called on State Governments and Local Government Areas to prioritise the development of Sports and Youth to curb unemployment, criminality and other social vices; and advocated investing in the discovery of hidden sporting potentials by organising Intra-State and other Mini Sports Competitions, and recommended stiffer punishment for officials/referees and or umpires of sports who indulge in sharp practices."
The communique was signed by Mr Ikenna Okonkwo, the SWAN National Secretary, Mr Patrick Anaso, the SWAN communique drafting committee Chairman, Mr Eche Amos, committee Secretary and Mr Jacob Onjewu Dickson- Member, indicated that the convention was presided over by the association's National President, Mr. Isaiah Kemje Benjamin, but was declared open by Nigeria's Minister of Sports Development, Sen. John Owan Enoh represented by the Director of Press, Federal Ministry of Sports Development, Mr. Mohammed Manga FCAI, as well as attended by the Chairman, Delta State Sports Commission, Tonobok Okowa, represented by the Head of Media Committee of 2023 NYG, Moses Etu.