By Praise Chinecherem
SPORTS Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Anambra Chapter has applauded Team Anambra for their sterling performance at the just concluded National Youth Games in Asaba, Delta State capital.
State Chairman, Chimezie Anaso who made the commendation in Awka on Sunday said it was a part of the positive outcomes of the revolution going on in the sports sector under the current management of the Anambra State Sports Development Commission.
Recall that Anambra finished eighth position on the medals table with nine gold, nine silver and eight bronze to cart home a total of 26 medals.
The SWAN chairman said Anambra athletes had shown discipline and steady improvement at the games every succeeding year.
Chimezie commended Gov. Chukwuma Soludo for supporting the team and ensuring that Anambra participated in all national competitions held since his assumption of office.
“The success of Anambra at the games is quite exciting, the finished eighth best and best from the Southeast, it simply shows that sports is in best hands in the state and that the governor is according it priority attention.
“As sports writers, we are happy that Anambra has not missed any major competition at the national and back home, the grassroots development programme of school sports under Anambra Sports Solution Initiative (ANSSI) has been regular.
“Again, Anambra has been presenting children who are within the approved age limit of 15 years, no fielding of ineligible athletes, this is because there is a programme that guarantees continuous supply of raw talents,” he said.
The SWAN Chairman urged the state government to sustain their career progression path by awarding them academic scholarships and exposing them to the best sports mentorship environment for them to hone their talents.
He called for an active partnership between the state government and owners of sports academies on one hand and sports facilities on the other hand.
