By Amin Kef Sesay
In order to keep the bilateral relationship between Sierra Leone and the People’s Republic of China alive and kicking, an Information Salon was established, which is an interactive session, held on a monthly basis, bringing Sierra Leoneans and Chinese nationals together to discuss pertinent issues related to development that impinge both countries with a view to foster broader understanding and deepen knowledge on those issues.
Against that backdrop, the first Information Salon, in what is considered by the Chinese as the Year of the Tiger (2022 ), was held on the 24th February 2022 by the Chinese Embassy, which was an interactive program geared towards updating the media and the general public on the just concluded Beijing Winter Olympic Games.
The online event was attended by Honorable Hindolo Gevao, Member of Parliament and Chairman of Sierra Leone-China Friendship Society, Prince Sualley, executive member of Sierra Leone National Olympic Committee and Unisa Kargbo, President of Sierra Leone National Paralympics Committee, media practitioners and other stakeholders who discussed extensively around the success of the Games and commended China for its efforts in holding such a grand Olympic Games.
The program started by showing a video clip showcasing the highlights of splendid and fascinating Beijing Winter Olympic Games.
Li Xiaoyong, Minister Counsellor of the Embassy, gave a detailed introduction of the Games. He said that China was committed to organizing green, inclusive, open and clean Games and has made every effort to counter the impact of COVID-19, earnestly fulfilled its solemn pledge to the international community, and ensured the smooth opening of the Beijing Winter Olympic Games as scheduled.
Mr. Li elaborated that nearly 3,000 winter sports Olympians from 91 countries and regions have striven to excel themselves and go beyond their limits, setting two world records and 17 Olympic records and living up to the Olympic motto of “Faster, Higher, Stronger – Together”. And among them there are 6 athletes from 5 African Countries.
Mr. Li stressed that Beijing has fulfilled its promise of holding a safe, green and high-tech Winter Olympics and that Beijing 2022 will surely go down in history as a streamlined, safe and splendid Olympic Games. He thanked the friendly countries including Sierra Leone for their valuable support to China on hosting the Beijing Winter Olympic Games and said that China stands ready to continue working hand in hand with the international community to promote the robust development of the Olympic Movement and create a brighter future for mankind together.
Honorable MP Hindolo Gevao extended profound thanks to the people of China for their resilience and hard work in successfully completing the Winter Olympics even in the midst of the Covid-19 crisis. Mr. Sualley and Mr. Kargbo congratulated China on giving the world a wonderful winter Olympic games, wishing Sierra Leone and China will strengthen their cooperation in the area of sports development.
