The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Kano State Chapter, has made a passionate appeal to the Kano State government to intervene urgently and save the Kano Pillars handball and volleyball teams from relegation.

According to SWAN Kano Chairman, the teams’ performance is being threatened by inadequate funding, which may lead to relegation. This is a pressing concern, especially considering the recent historic success of Team Kano at the National Youth Games in Asaba, Delta State.

Team Kano’s impressive performance, which earned them 5 gold, 2 silver, and 2 bronze medals, was attributed to the adequate timely funding and early preparation by the state government.

However, the current funding situation may jeopardize the teams’ chances of success in the ongoing and upcoming competitions.

In the next few days, the Kano State contingent will participate in the Northwest zonal elimination qualifier in Kaduna State, while the national sports festival games will be held in January 2025 in Ogun State.

The SWAN Kano Chairman emphasised importance of timely intervention, with the hope that the Sports Commission, Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, and the State Government will take immediate action to address the funding issue.

Additionally, SWAN Kano State Chapter, commended the Kano State government for its efforts in promoting sports development in the state.

The association praised the government for renovating the Sani Abacha Stadium, which will provide a conducive environment for athletes to train and compete. This renovation is part of the state government’s efforts to develop sports facilities and boost the morale of Kano Pillars FC and the youth of Kano.

SWAN Kano also commended the government for distributing sports kits to 600 football clubs across the 44 local governments in Kano State.

The initiative was a significant boost to grassroots football development in the state.

The association expressed its appreciation for the government’s commitment to sports development and urged it to continue supporting the growth of sports in the state.