The founder of Samkey Athletics Club, Samuel Oredipe, has called for the support of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria as he aspires for the South-South zonal position on the board of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria.

Mr Oredipe, who is also the Director-General to the Bayelsa State Government on New Media, made the call on Saturday in Abeokuta while addressing journalists.

He said he was contesting the position of the South-South zonal representative on the board of AFN and would need the support of SWAN to coast to victory.

Mr Oredipe emphasised that the association is his primary constituency, hence the need for their support in propagating his antecedents and gospel across the country and beyond.

He said that he was contesting the position to contribute his experience to the growth of athletics in the region.

He said, “I’m coming into the AFN board with innovation, inclusiveness, and grassroots development plans, as I believe regular competitions in the region will help discover, nurture, and grow young athletes.’’.

Responding, Benjamin Isaiah, SWAN National President, Benjamin Isaiah, extended the association’s solidarity to Mr Oredipe, commending him for the bold steps to go into sports politics.

Mr Isaiah stressed that the move would serve as inspiration to other journalists across the nation.

He said that the association would give him the support he needed to win the contest, adding that his presence on the AFN board would benefit the association immensely.

He stated, “Your going into sports politics will serve as an inspiration to other journalists across the country.’’

The president said that henceforth, the association would ensure that it was represented on the boards of all sports federations to protect its interests.

He said that the representation of the association on the boards of sports federations must not be limited to media officers only.

(NAN)