EKO 2012: SWAN urges Bauchi govt to release funds for state athletes

THE Bauchi State government has been urged to urgently release funds to enable the state athletes prepare for this month's zonal elimination competition for the 18th National Sports Festival, Eko 2012, slated for Gombe State and the sports fiesta proper holding later in the year.The call was made by the state chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) in a press statement made available to Tribunesports in Bauchi, and signed by its secretary, Nasiru A Kobi.According to the association, unless funds are released in good time with proper supervision, the participation of the state athletes at Eko 2012 sports fiesta would be a mere jamboree, adding that good athletes that were supposed to win medals for the state might end up featuring for other states.The Bauchi SWAN reminded the state government on its earlier pledge of rewarding the state athletes who won medals at the last Sports Festival in Port Harcourt, urging the government to redeem its pledge as "a sign of encouragement and for the betterment of sporting activities in the state".Meanwhile, the association commended the state government for successfully hosting the group matches of this year's Federation Cup in the state, featuring Enyimba of Aba, Lobi Stars of Makurdi and Samba FC of Enugu.It further applauded the boldness of the state governor, Mallam Isa Yuguda, to host the first conference of sports journalists in the state.
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