The Anambra State chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) on Tuesday decried the lack of functional sports facilities in the state describing it as regrettable.

A communique issued by the association and signed by the Chairman Tony Orji and Secretary, Chimezie Anaso at the end of its July Congress in Awka, it called on the state Governor, Willie Obiano to take urgent steps to address the issue.

The communique which was reached after a review of the state of the sports sector said, “That the continued lack of functional sporting facilities in Anambra and absence of noticeable attempt at addressing it is unacceptable and regrettable.

“We therefore call on Gov. Willie Obiano to take urgent steps towards addressing the situation.

“We also demand the proper constitution of the board of the Anambra Sports Development Commission to accommodate relevant stakeholders, including sports associations in the state.”

The group observed that the board as presently structured did not make room for comprehensive development of sports in the state stressing that the commission could still do better to revive many sports currently being neglected.

The communique added: “SWAN commends the efforts of ASDC at developing the Anambra sports sector but wish to observe that the commission’s activities are largely seen in its monthly ‘Walk for Life’ and soccer .

“SWAN therefore calls for activities in other sports including Athletics, Table Tennis, Volleyball, Basketball, Handball cricket.”