By: Monday Danladi, Bauchi
2024 Edition of the Sports Week organised by the Bauchi State chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has come to end with award presentations to winners and recognition of others.
During the closing ceremony held on Saturday at the Conference Hall of the NUJ Press Center, Bauchi Radio Corporation (BRC) was presented with the giant trophy as winners of the football event while NTA and FRCN Globe FM emerged Second and Third respectively.
Winners in Table Tennis and Athletics (Male and Female) were also presented with their various medals.
Speaking at the ceremony, Commissioner of Youths and Sports Development, Muhammad Salis Gamawa commended SWAN members for supporting the Ministry in its efforts to revitalize sports in the state.
He assured that the Ministry will always collaborate with SWAN as partners in progress to ensure that Bauchi regained its rightful position of Mecca of Sports in the country.
Also speaking, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to Bauchi State Governor, Comrade Mukhtar commended SWAN members for contributing positively to the image laundering of the state through objective reporting.
The SA who was represented by the Director Press Affairs, Alhassan Dambam, assured that his Office will continue to partner SWAN members in projecting the state positively urging them to be objective and fair in their reports, always standing by the truth.
In his remarks, Bauchi State NUJ Council Chairman, Comrade Umar Sa’idu commended SWAN for organizing the Sports Week which enabled members to interact and made friends.
He urged them to see it as a avenue of friendship and acquaintance decring the must win approach of some of the teams.
The Zonal Vice President of SWAN, Ahmed Amshi thumped up Bauchi State chapter for organizing the Sports Week saying that it will go a long way in fostering fostering unity and inclusivity among the members.
Represented by the National Ex-Officio, Abass Usman Shehu, the Zonal VP assured his office will always support any State that has programmes and activities that will project the good image of the Association.
In his his remarks, SWAN Chairman, Bala Bawaji Konkyel said that the SWAN WEEK with the aim of bringing together Sports Journalists within and outside the State to interact, rub minds and unite for Sports development.
According to him, “The interesting thing about this event, not only SWAN members are allowed to participate in the sporting activities line – up within the week, but all other staff in the media industry can show ease their talents and grab a medal.”
Bala Bawaji added that,”In this year’s event, about 100 athletes from 7 media organizations including Bauchi State Ministry of Information competed in 3 Sporting events namely, Football, Table Tennis and Athletics 100m (Male and Female).”
He added that, “Today, victors have emerged in all the three events and we are going to reward them accordingly in this venue. I urge media heads to please do the same to their staff who excelled in one or two events this year. This will certainly encourage others to put more efforts in the subsequent events.”
“Let me use this opportunity to extend our deepens gratitude to Bauchi State Government, through the Office of the Special Adviser, Media and Publicity for supporting the Association to host its annual Week. Our appreciation also goes to the entire Media Chiefs in the State, Bauchi State Ministry of Youths and Sports Development, Bauchi State Sports Council, Wikki Tourists Football Club and other partners for including members of the Association in their various programs,” he added.
The SWAN Chairman concluded saying,
“Lastly, I will like to congratulate winners of different Sporting Events this year and urged other participants to keep trying hard ahead of the upcoming events.”
The new innovation in the 2024 edition of the Sports Week was that all categories of winners got various sums of cash prizes.
