SLBL Inter-Community Football Gala Kicks Off Today to Promote Unity and Responsible Drinking

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By Foday Moriba Conteh

The Corporate Affairs Manager of Sierra Leone Brewery Limited (SLBL) Foday Daboh ,on Friday, January 24, 2025, officially launched the True Togetherness Inter-Community Football Gala during a ceremony at the company’s Head Office in Wellington, East End of Freetown. The much-anticipated tournament, also known as the SL Brewery Trophy, aims to foster community engagement, promote social cohesion and advocate for responsible alcohol consumption.

The annual event will feature six participating communities from the Wellington and Calaba Town areas, divided into two groups. Group A includes Industrial Estate, Loko Town and Fisherman Corner, while Group B comprises Old Wharf, Taylor Street and Peacock Farm. The group stage matches will run from January 27 to February 1, followed by the semi-finals on February 2 and 3. The grand finale, where the top two teams will face off for the championship, is scheduled for February 4, 2025, at the Wellington Playing Field.

This year’s competition comes with enticing prizes, including a grand prize of NLe 20,000 for the winners and NLe 10,000 for the runners-up. Players will also receive match allowances, while standout performers, such as the Best Player and Top Scorer, will be rewarded with NLe 1,000 each. Teams will be provided with jerseys on a temporary basis for the duration of the tournament.

During his remarks, Foday Daboh emphasized that the initiative transcends sports by addressing critical societal issues. “This initiative is not just about football; it’s about fostering togetherness, preaching against violence and raising awareness about the harmful effects of drug abuse and irresponsible alcohol consumption,” he said.

He further noted that SLBL is committed to promoting responsible drinking as a company that produces alcoholic beverages, highlighting the importance of avoiding underage drinking, the dangers of alcohol during pregnancy and the risks of drinking and driving.

The gala underscores SLBL’s corporate social responsibility efforts, showcasing its dedication to empowering youth and supporting the welfare of the communities that host its operations.

The Corporate Affairs Manager expressed optimism that the event would strengthen neighborhood ties and create lasting positive impacts, saying, “We are bringing communities together to celebrate unity, foster interaction and build stronger bonds.”

As the tournament kicks off today, the participating teams and their supporters eagerly anticipate an exciting series of matches that promise to blend competitive spirit with a strong message of responsibility and togetherness.

Osman Koroma, one of the players representing a participating community, expressed his gratitude to Sierra Leone Brewery Limited (SLBL) for organizing the True Togetherness Inter-Community Football Gala. He described the event as a valuable platform for players to showcase their God-given talents while promoting peace and unity among the participating communities and beyond.

The community resident encouraged his fellow players to view the gala not just as a competition but as an opportunity to foster togetherness and harmony. He emphasized that the tournament should not be seen as a “do-or-die” event but rather as a chance to preach love and unity. “Whoever wins the gala should be celebrated and we must accept the outcome without violence,” he said, reinforcing the need for sportsmanship and mutual respect throughout the competition.

Raymond Gerard Hunter, Secretary General of the Wellington Football Association, highlighted the significance of the True Togetherness Inter-Community Football Gala to the participating communities. He commended Sierra Leone Brewery Limited (SLBL) for its continued collaboration with the association over the years, noting that previous gala competitions have helped identify talented footballers within the communities.

He also expressed his delight at the expansion of the tournament, which has grown from four participating communities in the last competition to six this year, with plans to include even more in future editions.

Raymond Gerard Hunter concluded by expressing gratitude to SLBL for its unwavering support and urged players to maintain the highest level of discipline throughout the competition, ensuring that the event remains a celebration of unity, talent and sportsmanship.

 

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The Calabash Newspaper The Calabash Newspaper
The Calabash Newspaper Established in 2017, The Calabash Newspaper serves as a trusted platform for news and general information dissemination, catering to a broad Sierra Leonean audience both at home and abroad through its active presence on social media. The publication is committed to engaging its diverse readership by reporting on topical news events in Sierra Leone, enriched with editorials and insightful commentaries on pressing issues of the day. In addition to local news, The Calabash Newspaper expands its scope to include topics of continental interest, drawing from various international publications that address political, economic, and social developments across Africa.
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