Accra, August 3, GNA - The Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG), on Wednesday, August 3, celebrated 43 years of existence as a professional body charged with the responsibility of promoting sports journalism in Ghana.

On the occasion of the 43 years of existence in Ghana, the Association salute the founding fathers, patrons, members and well wishers who have contributed to its growth over the past years.

A statement from the secretariat of the Association said: 93If life begins at 40, then at this stage of the Association, we feel proud to be matured enough to contribute our quota to the development, promotion and transformation of sports in Ghana.

"We have over the years organized a successful prestigious uninterrupted awards running for 36 years and we are encouraged to raise th= e bar because it is the premier awards of its kind in the country". It said SWAG has played a significant role in curbing violence at our various sports centers through our reportage, and we feel really excited to see sports fans go and watch events in peace for love of sports. It added that SWAG has enjoyed government respect and support as a major stake holder and hopes to keep on playing its watchdog role to ensure discipline, fair play and respect for all to avoid corruption and discrimination.

"On this occasion, we want to support our international parent body, the International Sports Press Association (AIPS) in the fight against manipulation and defend our right of expression, because our freedom of thought and criticism can help sports to grow and with it, generations coming will develop.

"Ours is a social commitment and though some of our working conditio= ns may not be the best, we are the ones who must intervene to stem dangerous interference in the freedom of expression.

"We still talk the same language in sport and so we open up a chink. Our commitment must be total and unitary, as reminded by the president of the AIPS, Gianni Merlo in his message to mark this year's International D= ay of the Sports Journalist."

SWAG therefore calls on all members to remain committed to the cause o= f the Association as we seek to promote sports journalism in the country.