By Foday Moriba Conteh
Amidst a triumphant finish line gathering, marking the culmination of the second leg of the Budapest-Bamako-Freetown Challenge 2024 on Monday, March 4th, 2024, at the Gigibonta Car Park on Lumley Beach in Freetown, Jihad N. Eter, the Honorary Consul of Hungary, extolled the triumph of the Challenge in Sierra Leone. Departing Budapest on February 12th, 2024, the epic journey spanning a remarkable 9,000 kilometres from Europe to Africa drew 194 adventurous participants to the shores of Sierra Leone.
After relishing memorable moments at Bureh Beach, participants embarked on a scenic route through Waterloo to Wellington, Up Gun, the East End of Freetown, Siaka Stevens Street in the Central Part of Freetown, Wilkinson Road, and finally, Lumley Roundabout to Gigibonta Car Park at Lumley Beach in the West End of Freetown, where the Finish Line Event unfolded.
Expressing profound gratitude, the Honorary Consul of Hungary to Sierra Leone, Jihad N. Eter, warmly welcomed the participants, underscoring Sierra Leone’s attraction as a premier tourist destination. He commended the country’s role as the perennial finish line for the world’s largest amateur rally, envisioning a decade-long partnership that would enhance tourism and international cooperation.
In addition to celebrating the rally’s success, he reiterated his office’s steadfast commitment to autism awareness and condemnation of discrimination against individuals living with autism. He reaffirmed Hungary’s pledge to grant scholarships to 50 Sierra Leonean students annually, fostering bilateral relations and cooperation in trade and investment.
Acknowledging the collaborative efforts that facilitated the rally’s smooth execution, the Honorary Consul extended heartfelt thanks to the organizers and stakeholders, including the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the Sierra Leone Police, Immigration, Road Safety Authority, Freetown City Council and Customs Authorities.
On her part, Dr. Kadijatu Grace Kamara, Deputy Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, expressed gratitude to the participants and highlighted the significance of their presence in Sierra Leone. She welcomed the second batch of participants to Freetown and praised their efforts in promoting tourism and cultural exchange.
Highlighting Sierra Leone’s tourism potential, she discussed ongoing efforts to showcase the country’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. She mentioned the “Tourism for All Campaign,” aimed at promoting domestic tourism, and international marketing initiatives to attract visitors from diverse regions.
The Deputy Minister thanked stakeholders for their support in hosting the rally’s Finish Line event and encouraged participants to share their experiences in Sierra Leone, promoting the country’s unique attractions beyond its borders.
Andrew Szabo, the Director of Budapest-Bamako Rally, praised Sierra Leone’s peacefulness, friendly people, pristine beaches and natural beauty, affirming its suitability as the ideal choice for the finish line. He commended the Government’s commitment to tourism and expressed gratitude for the hospitality and warm reception received successively.
As the echoes of the Budapest-Bamako-Freetown Challenge reverberate, Sierra Leone stands ready to embrace a future enriched by international camaraderie and cultural exchange, propelled by the spirit of adventure and goodwill.
