SWAG is 43 years old
Accra, Aug. 3, GNA - The Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG), on Tuesday, August 2, celebrated 43 years of existence as a professional body charged with the responsibility of promoting sports journalism in the country.
A statement from the secretariat of the Association said, “if life begins at 40, then at this stage of the Association, we feel proud to be matured enough to contribute our quota to the development, promotion and transformation of sports in Ghana.
“On the occasion of its years of existence in Ghana, the Association wish to salute all the Founding Fathers, Patrons, members and well wishers who have over the years contributed to the growth of SWAG.”
“We have over the years organized a successful prestigious and uninterrupted Awards Night running for 36 years and we are encouraged to organize it better as the years run by because it is the premier awards of its kind in the country”. It noted.
The statement said, SWAG has played a significant role in curbing violence at our various sports venues through the reportage of its members, and feel excited to see sports fans go and watch events in peace for love of sports.
It added that SWAG has enjoyed government respect and support as a major stakeholder and hope to keep on playing their watchdog role to ensure discipline, fair play and respect for all to avoid corruption and discrimination.
“On this occasion, we want to support our international parent body, the International Sports Press Association (AIPS) in the fight against manipulation and defend our right of expression, because our freedom of thought and criticism can help sports to grow and with it, up coming generations will develop.
“Ours is a social commitment and though some of our working conditions may not be the best, we are the ones who must intervene to stem dangerous interference in the freedom of expression, especially in the sports arena.
We still talk the same language in sport and so we open up a chink. Our commitment must be total and unitary,” as reminded by the President of the AIPS, Gianni Merlo in his message to mark this year's International Day of the Sports Journalist.
SWAG therefore calls on all members to remain committed to the cause of the Association as the members collectively seek to promote sports journalism in the country.
GNA