The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, Kano State chapter, has called on the Kano State Government to immortalise the 22 athletes who lost their lives in a road accident while returning from the 2025 Ogun Gateway Games.

In a statement issued on Sunday to mark the first anniversary of the tragedy, SWAN Secretary, Muhammad Nur-Tijani urged the government to honour the deceased athletes by naming a sports facility after them or establishing a new one in their memory.

According to the association, such a gesture would help preserve the legacy of the athletes while also serving as a platform for nurturing young talents and promoting sports development in the state.

SWAN described the incident as a painful loss to Kano’s sporting community and stressed the need to recognise the athletes’ contributions through lasting initiatives.

The association also appealed to the government to strengthen grassroots sports programmes and improve sporting facilities across Kano State to encourage the discovery and development of future athletes.

In addition, SWAN encouraged athletes, sports enthusiasts, and the general public to continue praying for the deceased and to organise sporting competitions in their honour.

“May the memories of these athletes continue to inspire excellence, discipline, and passion within Kano State’s sporting fraternity,” the statement added.

The 22 athletes died on May 31, 2025, in a road accident a few kilometres from Kano city while returning from the Ogun Gateway Games