As the 2024 Imo Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) Week unfolds, an exciting lineup of events is ready to engage sports enthusiasts, health advocates, and the broader community in Imo State. Scheduled to start on Tuesday, November 11, this year’s SWAN Week promises a robust schedule, from health-focused campaigns to skill-building workshops and celebratory awards for key figures in Nigerian sports.
The week kicks off with the Imo SWAN Road Walk on Tuesday at 8 a.m. This “Campaign for Healthy Life” walk, sponsored by Prince Eleazer Ogbonna, Chairman of the Imo Sports Commission, will depart from Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri, promoting physical fitness among participants.
Wednesday will feature a transformative seminar titled The Future of Sports Journalism: Embracing Digital Tools and AI, led by digital pioneer Hardy Nwadike from OtownGist Media & Creative Hub. Scheduled for 10 a.m. at OtownGist’s office on 26 School Road, Owerri, the workshop is designed to equip sports journalists with essential digital skills.
Friday brings friendly competition as Imo SWAN members gather for board games like Ludo, Draft, Table Tennis, and Scrabble, with winners set to receive attractive prizes. The action moves outdoors on Saturday morning, where SWAN members will play a friendly match with the Diamond Dynamics Fitness Club of Owerri, an opportunity to bond over sports and fitness.
The grand finale on Saturday, November 16, at 2 p.m. at Rockview Hotel, Owerri, will celebrate notable personalities who have made remarkable contributions to sports in Nigeria. Among the honorees, Governor Hope Uzodimma will receive the Imo SWAN Personality of the Year Award, while former Super Eagles star Emmanuel Amuneke will be awarded the Imo SWAN Sports Legend Award. George Aluo, Chairman of the Nigeria National League, is set to be recognized as Imo SWAN’s Sports Iconic Administrator of the Year.
Additional awards will honor figures like Patrick Osuji, Ambassador Prince Eleazer Ogbonna, Honorable Emeka Ukaegbu, Desire Oparanozie, Prince Chidi, Late Christian Obi, and Ikukuoma FC, among others, for their contributions to grassroots and national sports development.
