The Local Organizing Committee for the 2025 Bayelsa State chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) Week has released a detailed lineup of activities designed to celebrate sports journalism and foster community engagement.
According to a statement from committee chairman Loveday Herbert, the week kicks off on Monday, December 1, with a invigorating road walk starting at Ekeki Junction and ending at the Samson Siasia Sports Complex. Participants will then enjoy a comprehensive workout and aerobic session to energize the festivities.
The action continues on Tuesday, December 2, with the launch of the Clinton Thompson Football Competition, pitting teams from various registered media houses against each other in friendly matches.
Midweek highlights include Wednesday, December 3, when table tennis tournaments get underway at the Coastal Fortress in Ox Bow Lake. Simultaneously, draughts and other indoor games will take place at the NUJ Press Centre, starting at 2 p.m.
On Friday, December 5, aspiring and seasoned sports journalists—particularly students from local tertiary institutions interested in sports reporting—can attend a lecture and symposium on cutting-edge trends and techniques in sports journalism. The event is set for 11 a.m. at the Ernest Ikoli Press Center.
The weekend brings high-energy closures: Saturday, December 6, features the football competition finals, followed by a gala dinner at the Ernest Ikoli Press Center. During the evening, standout athletes, coaches, and sports administrators will be recognized for their achievements throughout the year.
The week-long celebration wraps up on Sunday, December 7, with a special Thanksgiving Service.
The committee encourages all members of the Nigerian Union of Journalists to participate actively and join the Bayelsa SWAN community in making this year’s event an unforgettable success.
