On Sunday, October 26, 2025, the Imo State chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) celebrated its 60th anniversary with a thanksgiving service at Maria Assumpta Cathedral in Owerri.
During the service, Most Rev. Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, Catholic Bishop of Owerri Archdiocese, drew parallels between the Israelite tradition of year-end harvest thanksgiving and modern-day association prayers of gratitude.
He commended sports journalists nationwide for their dedication to keeping the public informed about sporting events in Nigeria and beyond.
Bishop Ugorji congratulated SWAN on reaching this diamond jubilee milestone and emphasized the significance of sports in promoting health and character.
“We need sports to remain healthy; God created us to move our joints,” he stated.
He also highlighted sportsmanship lessons, urging politicians to embrace the spirit of fair play during elections, reminding them it is not a do-or-die affair and that unity after contests strengthens democracy.
The thanksgiving service reinforced the enduring bond between faith, community, and the vibrant sports journalism sector in Nigeria.