As part of activities marking the 50th anniversary of Ondo State, the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Ondo State chapter, has inaugurated a planning and organising committee to celebrate outstanding sports personalities who have brought honour and recognition to the state.
The association said the landmark event is aimed at celebrating excellence, resilience and dedication of athletes and sports administrators who have contributed immensely to sports development over the past five decades.
According to a statement signed by the State Chairman of SWAN, Segun Giwa, the initiative will be organised in collaboration with relevant sporting associations and federations within and outside the state.
He noted that the event is designed to honour past heroes, recognise present achievers and inspire the next generation of athletes to strive for excellence.
To ensure effective planning, a five-member committee has been constituted to compile a comprehensive list of sports heroes and heroines from the state, including those who represented Nigeria at national and international levels.
The committee will be chaired by former SWAN Chairman, Akintunde Akinsemola, described as a respected sports encyclopedia and seasoned administrator whose experience is expected to guide the assignment.
The current Secretary of the association, Joseph Adesuyan, will serve as the committee’s secretary and representative of the executive.
Other members of the committee include Bolu Olu-Esho of Independent Newspaper, Femi Dairo of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), and the General Manager of Breez FM, Mrs Adeola Adekunle Omosola.
SWAN expressed optimism that the event would not only celebrate the state’s sporting icons but also preserve their legacies and motivate future generations to achieve greatness.
