In recognition of their numerous supports and advocacy for sports development in Nigeria, Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN, has honoured a Sports Promoter, Ambassador Romoke Ayinde, who is the Chief Executive Officer, CEO, Kayrom Lee Gym and Fitness Centre, Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, Ibadan, and Immediate past Chairman of SWAN, Oyo State, Niyi Alebiosu with a prestigious Award in Abuja.
The night of honour was to mark the 60th Anniversary of SWAN and to also celebrate personalities who have distinguished themselves in the area of Sports Development across the Country.
Presenting the SWAN’s Distinguished Service Award, SDSA, to Ambassador Romoke Ayinde, on behalf of the Association, a foremost Sports Writer and Commentator, Shina Abimbola eulogised the recipient for her unflinching support for sports, commending her for establishing Sports Academy, known as RACBAR Academy in Ibadan, the Oyo State Capital.
Ambassador Ayinde who maintained that, she founded RACBAR Academy to groom talented youths in sporting activities said, many have been discovered and doing great in the Society.
RACBAR Academy comprises all sporting activities including Racket games, Squash, Lawn and Table Tennis, Badminton, Football, Volleyball, Basketball, Netball, Handball, Swimming, Surfing, Sailing, Rowing, High Diving and some others.
Her passion for sports development made her to be appointed as the Chairperson, Netball Association, Oyo State with a mandate to resuscitate the game, particularly among young girls across Oyo State, who would compete favorably with their global counterparts.
Speaking shortly after receiving the Award in Abuja, Ambassador Romoke Ayinde, Kayrom Lee, urged Government and Philanthropists in the Society to invest more in Athletes, emphasing that, grassroots sports development would remain critical to Nation’s sporting performances at the global stage.
She commended the leadership of SWAN both at the National and Oyo State level for counting her worthy of the prestigious SWAN’s Distinguished Service Award, saying it would spur her to rededicate herself to the promotion of Sporting Activities from the grassroots to the National.
Ambassador Ayinde who expressed her cherish for the Award, however, appealed to the Sports Administrators in the Country to rally round grassroots sports and the promoters, with a view to discovering more talents that would make the Nation proud in sports.
On his part, Award Winning Sports Journalist and two terms SWAN Chairman in Oyo State, Nìyí Alebiosu appreciated the Organizers for the honour bestowed on him as a Sports Writer, urging every member of the Association to be fearless and ensure professionalism while reporting Sports.
President of SWAN, Isaiah Benjamin and other Executives played hosts to dignitaries from all over the Country to celebrate the milestone of SWAN Diamond Jubilee with SWAN Chairman, Oyo State, Ayomiku Ajibola in attendance.
