The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Anambra chapter, has commended Governor Charles Soludo’s government for timely intervention for ailing Tanya Okpala, a former tennis champion.

The association’s commendation is contained in a statement issued on Sunday.

Ms Okpala was based in the U.S., where she got a scholarship to study due to her brilliant performance in lawn tennis during her heyday before returning to Nigeria.

The athlete recently drew public attention after she appeared in a viral video wandering on the streets of Awka, the Anambra capital.

The statement said, “We want to thank Governor Charles Soludo and his wife, Nonye, for their interest and intervention towards rehabilitating Tanya. SWAN is glad that the Mkpologu-born former tennis star had been admitted to a medical facility, where she is receiving the necessary attention at the instance of the Anambra government.

“It is our wish and prayer that Tanya recovers soon and be integrated back into society.”

The association further made a case for other athletes with similar health challenges as Ms Tanya “in various corners of Anambra.”

It, therefore, called on the Anambra government “to extend similar gestures to such persons as a demonstration of Soludo’s love for sports.”

It specifically drew the government’s attention to the case of Kenneth Abana, also known as ‘Magic’, a foundation member of Rangers International FC of Enugu.

The body explained that Mr Abana used a wheelchair for years before losing one of his legs by amputation in 2023.

It listed other sportsmen and women in dire health conditions, deserving urgent health interventions by the government, public-spirited individuals, and corporate organisations.

They include Ngozika Ekwelum, Benson Udeh, Paul Obiako, etc. 

(NAN)