The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Bayelsa State Chapter, has presented an Award of Excellence to Senator Henry Seriake Dickson for his contributions towards sports development in the state.

Chairman of Bayelsa SWAN, Comrade Alambo Datonye, while presenting the award to Senator Dickson, eulogised him for initiating and completing all projects executed in the subsector, during his reign as Governor of the state.

Comrade Datonye stressed that Bayelsa SWAN would continue to throw its weight behind Dickson’s sports programmes, especially the soon-to-be-concluded Ofurumapepe Cup, and the forthcoming Nanaye Dickson Traditional Wrestling Competition. He expressed the hope that the award would spur Dickson to contribute more to sports development.

Sen. Dickson, while receiving the award, appreciated SWAN for supporting his sporting activities, urging the association not to relent in its efforts to facilitate sports development.

According to the Senator, sports remains a tool for promoting unity and togetherness, and also for grooming young talents, some of whom will emerge professionals in the nearest future. He urged well-meaning individuals and corporate bodies to team up with the government in developing the sector.

In his words, “Sports development is key, it promotes tourism, it’s for healthy living and lifestyle, youth engagement, and cuts across all aspects of life.

“So I call on the Federal Government, to partner with the Bayelsa Government in transforming the Asoama Sports Academy, after the Memorandum of Understanding we signed with the Sports Minister. That Academy is meant to export talents, and I am proud with the work I and my team did there. I also call on private individuals, corporate bodies to support sports. They can pick any of the sports and sponsor it, everything about sports and maintenance of its facilities cannot be left for government alone.”

The immediate past Bayelsa Governor dedicated the award to his team who worked with him to deliver his mandate, as he announced his readiness to set up a football club to be known as Ofurumapepe Football Club.

Senator Dickson equally extended his appreciation to media houses and pressmen for their cooperation with his administration during his tenure, assuring that as a Senator he will unveil more programs in Sports, Education and Culture in the near future.

He assured that the Henry Seriake Dickson Foundation shall continue to support various activities in sports, education, health care, culture and tourism.