By Amin Kef Sesay
The Executive Director of the National Sports Authority (NSA), Dr. Emmanuel Saffa Abdulai, underscored the economic and social benefits of sports during a meeting with the Sierra Leone Boxing Association (SLBA) on Friday. Speaking to SLBA’s Executive, he emphasized that sports create jobs and provide excellent value for money, contributing to national development.
Dr. Emmanuel Saffa Abdulai made these remarks during the SLBA’s visit to the NSA headquarters to brief the Agency on its upcoming activities and events, demonstrating the Association’s active role in promoting boxing in Sierra Leone and abroad.
Alhaji Komba, the Secretary General of SLBA, highlighted some of the Association’s key initiatives, including a forthcoming international boxing event in the UK. He introduced British boxers who are returning to Sierra Leone to compete and revealed plans for a return fight in Birmingham on December 8, 2024.
The SLBA Secretary General also shared the news of two Sierra Leonean boxers who are already in Kinshasa, preparing to represent the country in the African Boxing Championship. Meanwhile, three youth boxers are gearing up for the World Youth Championship in Montenegro, showcasing Sierra Leone’s growing presence on the global stage.
Additionally, Alhaji Komba announced an exciting local event, the “East vs. West Boxing Championship,” scheduled for October 26, 2024, in the Eastern part of Freetown. He linked this initiative to Dr. Emmanuel Saffa Abdulai’s vision of fostering national identity through sports, as it seeks to engage communities and develop local talent.
One of the British boxers, Ginge, expressed his appreciation for the warm hospitality he and his team received in Sierra Leone. He noted that their positive experience has attracted interest from other British citizens to visit the country, further enhancing bilateral relations. He stressed that programs like these offer opportunities for young people, helping them secure employment and avoid involvement in criminal activities.
In his response, Dr. Emmanuel Saffa Abdulai praised the SLBA for its efforts, emphasizing that their initiatives are on the right path. He noted that the strong relationship between the UK and Sierra Leone will continue to open doors for local athletes and sports administrators, providing them with more international exposure.
“I am particularly pleased with the local competitions and the representation we are seeing at international events like the African Boxing Championship and the World Youth Championship,” Dr. Emmanuel Saffa Abdulai said. He reiterated his commitment to seeing more organized local sporting events that involve both young men and women, stating that such initiatives align with the “Five Big Game-Changers” strategy aimed at advancing sports in Sierra Leone.
Dr. Emmanuel Saffa Abdulai encouraged all sporting Associations to prioritize local competitions that nurture young talent and create pathways to international recognition. His remarks highlighted the potential of sports to uplift communities and strengthen Sierra Leone’s economy through job creation and youth engagement.
The meeting reaffirmed the NSA’s support for the SLBA and its upcoming endeavors, further solidifying the role of sports as a vehicle for national growth and international partnerships.
