The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Ondo State chapter, has constituted a planning and organising committee to stage a landmark event in honour of distinguished sports personalities who have brought glory to the state in its 50 years of existence.

The association said the initiative forms part of activities lined up to commemorate Ondo State’s golden jubilee and is aimed at celebrating excellence, resilience and dedication among athletes and sports administrators of Ondo extraction who have excelled at state, national and international levels.

According to the Chairman of SWAN in Ondo State, Segun Giwa, the event will be organised in collaboration with various sporting associations and federations within and outside the state to ensure a befitting celebration of sports heroes and heroines.

He noted that the programme is designed not only to honour past legends but also to recognise present achievers while inspiring the next generation of athletes to strive for greatness.

To ensure a seamless planning process, SWAN inaugurated a five-member committee tasked with compiling and reviewing a comprehensive list of sports personalities who have represented Ondo State and Nigeria with distinction over the years.

The committee will be chaired by a former state chairman of SWAN, Mr. Akintunde Akinsemola, described as a respected sports encyclopedia and administrator whose wealth of experience is expected to provide strategic direction for the assignment.

The current Secretary of the association, Joseph Adesuyan, will serve as secretary of the committee and will also represent the state executive in its deliberations.

Other members of the committee include Mr. Bolu Olu-Esho of Independent Newspaper, Mr. Femi Dairo of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), and the General Manager of Breez FM, Mrs. Adeola Adekunle Omosola.

SWAN expressed confidence that the committee would deliver on its mandate and ensure that the Ondo @50 celebration leaves a lasting legacy in the state’s sporting history.

The association reaffirmed its commitment to promoting sports development and preserving the rich sporting heritage of Ondo State as stakeholders prepare to mark the state’s 50th anniversary.