The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN, Ondo Chapter, has appealed to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to, as a matter of urgency, declare a state of emergency in the sports sector of the state.
While lamenting the dwindling fortunes of sports in the state, SWAN expressed concern that it is gradually slipping into comatose.
A statement issued by the Chairman of SWAN in the state, Segun Giwa, and his Secretary, Joseph Adesuyan, said a continuous delay in the upgrade of the Ondo State Sports Complex has adversely impacted the training of athletes for competitions.
According to the sports writer’s leadership, there have been recent complaints of lack of funds and attention for other sports like basketball, volleyball, hockey, and handball, among others.
The association also raised eyebrows that the state-owned football team Sunshine Stars now plays all their matches in the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, away from their original home ground in Akure Stadium, hence plunging the club into relegation scares
