Chairman of the FCT Chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Mr Victor Iroele, has in Abuja explained the rationale behind holding the chapter’s 2011 Week.

Iroele told newsmen, after unveiling activities lined up for the week, that the main essence of the programme was to enhance better interaction among its members.

“The essence of the 2011 SWAN Week is to give a form of relief to sports journalists from their daily hectic duties.

“It is to give journalists the opportunity to rewind from the hectic duty of running up and down on a daily basis.

“We also have the opportunity through the programme to display what we write and say on pages of newspapers, and on the radio and television.

“This will help to enhance better interaction amongst our members,’’ he said.

Tidesports source reports that the FCT SWAN Week 2011 holds from November 30 to December 6.

Iroele noted that this year’s edition of the FCT SWAN Week was unique as one of its events had been named in memory of one of the association’s former members.

“This year’s edition is particularly unique because it is dedicated to the memory of one of our colleagues, Jibola Oni of Brila FM.

“He participated in the last FCT SWAN Week and particularly the football competition. But, this time around, he is not with us.

“In this regard, we have christened this year’s football edition ‘the FCT SWAN/Jibola Oni Cup’,’’ he said.

The FCT SWAN Chairman said the week was going to also feature an Awards Ceremony in order to make it more memorable.

He said the awards ceremony was also to help in appreciating the contributions of individuals and corporate bodies to sports within the FCT.

“The Awards Night comes up on December 6 and it is to recognise those within the FCT who have been contributing to sports development in the territory.

“It will be for people from all ramifications whose contributions cannot be brushed aside,’’ he said.

Iroele however appealed to sports-loving Nigerians within and outside the FCT to be part of the programme through the sponsorship of some of the activities.

“Every level or form of support will be appreciated from anybody, be it a corporate organisation or an individual,’’ he said.

Tidesports reports that those to be given awards include the Director-General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Chief Patrick Ekeji.

Others are Dr. Ade Abolurin, the Commandant-General of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and Alhaji Habu Gumel, a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

Seven other individuals, one corporate body and the late Jibola Oni would also be honoured, while outstanding athletes, officials and journalists would equally be recognised.