By Amin Kef (Ranger)
The maiden Coastal Unity Boat Race 2026 ended on a high note with strong displays of sportsmanship, community pride and national celebration, as VLN Solutions Private Limited took centre stage in recognizing excellence by proudly sponsoring the second prize award.
Speaking during the climax of the thrilling two-day event held on April 4 and 5, 2026, Lithin Kumar Nasani, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of VLN Solutions Private Limited, announced that the company had awarded the second-place prize of NLe40,000 in cash alongside three brand-new mobile phones to the Susan’s Bay Community team, in recognition of their outstanding performance.
He described the award as a celebration of resilience, teamwork and community spirit, congratulating the Susan’s Bay rowers for their remarkable showing in one of the most exciting highlights of Sierra Leone’s Independence anniversary festivities.
“The 2nd Prize is proudly awarded by VLN Solutions Private Limited; a cash prize of 40,000 New Leones along with three brand-new mobile phones. Congratulations to the people of Susan’s Bay Community,” Lithin Kumar Nasani stated.
The race, organized as part of activities marking Sierra Leone’s 65th Independence Anniversary, was a landmark initiative spearheaded by the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs in collaboration with the GEED Foundation, with strategic support from the Ministry of Sports, Rokel Commercial Bank, Afrimoney, EST Applied Intelligence and VLN Solutions Private Limited.
The event drew large crowds across Freetown’s coastline and culminated in a colourful grand finale at Lumley Beach, where the Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Nabeela Farida Tunis, graced the occasion. Her presence underscored Government’s growing commitment to promoting coastal tourism, cultural heritage and sports tourism as viable drivers of national development.
Addressing participants and spectators, the Minister praised the competing teams for their discipline, determination and unity, noting that such initiatives not only preserve Sierra Leone’s maritime heritage but also strengthen social cohesion and youth engagement.
The overall championship title was clinched by Kissy Ferry Terminal, whose exceptional performance throughout the competition earned them victory in the maiden edition of the national race. Their triumph set a strong benchmark for future editions and further elevated the prestige of the event.
Despite missing the top spot, the Susan’s Bay Community team’s second-place finish remained one of the most celebrated moments of the competition, particularly with the generous recognition from VLN Solutions Private Limited, whose award package became a major talking point among spectators.
The company’s sponsorship of the second prize was widely applauded as a meaningful corporate contribution toward community empowerment, youth motivation and the promotion of sporting excellence.
This year’s Coastal Unity Boat Race successfully blended competition, tourism, culture and corporate partnership, showcasing the beauty of Sierra Leone’s coastline while reinforcing messages of unity and national pride.
With the success of the maiden edition, expectations are already rising for an even bigger and more competitive event in 2027, as organizers and partners look to build on the momentum created by this year’s memorable spectacle.
