The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, Kwara State Chapter, has emphasized that the key to the state's sporting achievements lies in the continued investment in grassroots development. According to SWAN, a strong foundation at the grassroots level will create a sustainable pipeline for nurturing talented athletes who can excel both nationally and internationally.
In a statement issued by the association, SWAN highlighted the vital role grassroots sports play in fostering youth development, improving community engagement, and identifying raw talents early in their sporting journey. They commended the Kwara State Government for its recent efforts in supporting sports development but urged for more targeted focus on community-level initiatives and youth sports programs.
"Sports excellence at the state level begins with a solid foundation of youth engagement and infrastructure development at the grassroots. By investing in schools, local clubs, and training facilities, we can ensure a steady flow of talented athletes into professional leagues, competitions, and national teams," said the Chairman of SWAN Kwara, Mr. Tunde Oloyede.
SWAN also called for greater collaboration between the government, private sector, and sporting organizations to foster the growth of grassroots sports. The association believes that this approach will not only improve the quality of athletes emerging from Kwara but also contribute to the state’s economic development through sports tourism, sponsorship opportunities, and job creation.