By Ibrahim Karim Bangura (Tanko)
The leading mobile telecoms in Sierra Leone Africell in collaboration with its brand Afrimony and Street Child Sierra Leone officially launched their 11th edition of the 2024 Street Child Marathon Competition in Freetown.
The ceremony was held on Tuesday 19th March, 2024 at Africell’s Headquarters on Wilberforce in Freetown,
Speaking during the unveiling session, the Country Director of Street Child Sierra Leone, Kelfa Kargbo, proudly highlighted Africell Sierra Leone consistency’s support as the main sponsor since the inauguration of the event in 2012.
He noted the crucial role of Africell in making the Street Child Marathon a successful annual occasion over the years.
He revealed that the marathon race is scheduled to take place on May 5, 2024, in Makeni City, northern province of the Republic of Sierra Leone.
He emphasized that marathon registration forms are now available at all Street Child offices across the country: Bo, Kenema, Makeni, Port Loko, Kambia, Kabala etc, stressing that the registration can be finalized by making payments through Afrimoney but within the stipulated deadline set for May 4, 2024.
Kelfa Kargbo elaborated on Street Child Sierra Leone’s growth from a local non-governmental organization ( NGO) which was established in 2008 and it is present in 21 countries around the world.
He further outlined the organization’s focus on protecting children, improving family livelihoods and facilitating access to education for vulnerable children.
In his submissions, the Chief Corporate Officer of Africell Sierra Leone, Joe Abass Bangura, echoed the company’s commitment to supporting the Street Child marathon as part of their efforts to creating a safe environment for street children in Sierra Leone.
Representing the Sierra Leone Athletics Association (SLAA), Ibrahim M. Kargbo commended organizers of Street Child Marathon for their role in identifying young talents and promoting the growth of athletes, globally.
He cited examples of athletes discovered through staging the marathon, and the athletes, he said are representing Sierra Leone in the all Africa games in Ghana at the moment.
Explaining the method of payment and processing in a bid to qualify for competition, the Director of Communications of Afrimony, John Konteh extended his felicitations to Street Child management for their relentless passion for organizing such an event.
He announced the merchant payment platform as the designated method for participants to obtain sign-up forms for 55 Leones, accessible by dialing *161# and using the merchant code 64732.