Sports Story

FREETOWN: SAHR MORRIS: Minister of Education Youths and Sports, Dr. Minkailu Bah Tuesday said his government will reinstitute the National Sports Council in May this year. 

Dr. Bah, who expressed the government’s disappointment on the current state of sport in the country, particularly football said the All People’s Congress government is going to man the affairs of the sports in the country to ensure development.  

“I have come to this ministry to make a difference, and I have signed a performance contract with the President, and I will not allow anybody to mislead me,” Dr. Bah stated.  

The minister also expressed his government’s willingness to promote sports in the country.

“Since we came to power, we have honored all the sporting disciplines who want to go on international assignment, this is one way to show our commitment in promoting sports in the country,” he said.  

The minister further said sports can be developed if stakeholders are united and determined to work as one.  

Dr. Bah said it was the government who sponsored the team in the last Zone II tournament, in Guinea-Bissau contrary to an allegation by Africell mobile company that they sponsored the team.  

A senior member in the sports council backed the minister inreinstituting the sports council, and noted that it is a step in the right direction.

He also joins the minister in calling for unity in promoting sports in the country.  

17 coaches complete level III course

A total of 17 coaches from Freetown and the provinces Wednesday completed a two weeks level III boxing coaching course at the National Stadium boxing gym. 

The course, which was, organized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the National Olympic Committee (NOC), was conducted by Senegalese born, Joseph Diouf.  

Herbert Williams the association president, said the course was timely even as the association is about to host the Zone II championship.  

He stated: “The course is very timely, and I believe the coaches would pass on what they have learnt to their boxers. I hope this will help us to get not less than 7 gold medals in the zone II tournament”  

Williams also noted that the knowledge impact in the coaches will reflect on the medals the country will win.  

According to the course expert, Sierra Leone has the talent but the country only needs to find the success.  

He advised the coaches to develop the sports before others come on board.  

Director of Sports in the Ministry of Youths and sports Dr. Sadiu Mansaray said the ministry would do everything possible for the zone II tournament to be a success.

He said, “The responsibility of you coaches now is to scout and bring boxers in sports.”

One of the qualified coaches, Grace Brown from the Prison force said she is proud to know the basic of breeding up boxers up to Olympic level.

She said, “I will definitely pass on my ideas to our boxers in Prisons and outside prison.”