Sports
SWAN @55: Sirawoo Praises Founding Fathers, Says Association Waxing Stronger
The President, Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Mr Honour Sirawoo, has commended the founding fathers of the association, saying their efforts have continued to propel sports journalism to great heights in the country and beyond.
This is just as he says his administration has continued to seek partnership and cooperation within and outside the country as part of measures to strengthen and reposition the association.
He specifically commended members of the association for their industry, commitment and passion towards the growth and development of sports in Nigeria.
According to him, “despite the obvious challenges, sports journalists in Nigeria have sacrificed their lives and time in the course of duty, even though we remain largely uncelebrated.”
Sirawoo explained that under his watch, the association had made giant strides and had continued to explore new frontiers to give members the respect and reward they deserved.
“We have been able to earn respect for the association. Our members are now better viewed and regarded following our registration and engagement with relevant stakeholders.
“We were also able to get our members into sports federations; these, some of our state chapters have replicated securing places in sporting associations, just as we played a prominent role during the recently held national sports festival in Abuja.
“Am glad to inform our members that we now have a comprehensive data base and are up to date in our affiliation with the AIPS ,we have also been able to get a functional secretariat, he stressed.
The SWAN President called on sports journalists not to rest on their oars but continue to push the frontiers of the noble profession, while insisting that SWAN is a major stakeholder in sports developnent.
The Bayelsa State government, yesterday, announced that the marathon will be held on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
The inaugural race is owned by the Bayelsa State Government and will be organised by Nilayo Sports Management Limited, a sports management company.
Under the theme “The Reveal,” the race represents a bold unveiling of Bayelsa’s immense human and cultural potential to the international community, inviting the world to witness the resilience, grit, and talent rooted in the heart of the Niger Delta.
According to the organisers, the race will be flagged off at 9:30 a.m., at the Opolo Roundabout, guiding participants through a carefully designed 10-kilometre route that highlights the scenic beauty and vibrant atmosphere of Yenagoa.
The course will culminate at Peace Park Square, where athletes will cross the finish line into a grand celebration of endurance, unity, and community spirit.
To elevate the experience for runners and spectators alike, the finish venue will host a high-energy post-race concert featuring performances from top A-list artistes, blending sport and entertainment in a festival-style atmosphere.
The organisers directed all registered participants to collect their race bibs and kits at the designated Peace Park Square between March 30 and April 3, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily.
The race, according to them, is currently on track for World Athletics accreditation, underscoring the commitment of both the Bayelsa State Government and Nilayo Sports Management Limited to delivering an event that meets the highest global standards.
The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, on Friday continued the Commission’s nationwide appreciation tour with a visit to Abeokuta, where outstanding junior athlete, Majekodunmi Afusat Bisola, was presented with a cheque of N3 million.
The presentation forms part of the NSC’s initiative to recognise and reward exceptional junior athletes who distinguished themselves in 2025 and contributed significantly to Nigeria’s medal haul.
Majekodunmi delivered an impressive run of performances on the track. At the last edition of the National Sports Festival, she stormed to gold in the 400m and the 4x400m relay. She replicated the double triumph at the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) Junior Championship, in Abeokuta, before emerging as one of the standout stars at the African Youth Games in Luanda, Angola.
Speaking during the presentation, Olopade explained that the Commission deemed it necessary to extend financial appreciation to grassroots athletes after elite performers had earlier received grants running into thousands of dollars.
“A few weeks ago, after paying grants to our elite athletes, we agreed tthere was a need to also appreciate these young, budding talents who made Nigeria proud last year,” he said.
He disclosed that of the 376 medals recorded by Nigerian athletes in 2025, more than 200 were won by grassroots talents, underscoring the importance of sustained investment in youth development.
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