By Ibrahim Karim Bangura (Tanko)

On Saturday, October 12, 2024, the Sierra Leone Athletics Association convened its executive committee at a meeting at the Olympic Africa Centre at the Milton Margai Technical University in Goderich.

Addressing the important issues concerning the structural growth of the association, the speaker, during the session, President Martin Momoh Bangura and chairperson welcomed all executive members and encouraged them to show their active participation during  discussions hours to able to crack up ideas meant to further the association’s goals. He also stressed on the legitimacy of the executive committee, citing its importance as outlined in the constitution.

President Bangura briefly reviewed the association’s successes and challenges, pointing out the negligence of some executive members in fulfilling their roles and responsibilities.

Dr. Abdulrahman Swaray, Deputy Executive Director of the National Sports Authority, mentioned his support for bringing the executive members together and assured of the association for government backing. He condemned the trend of athletes not returning after representing the country, stating, “Those athletes do it with impunity, and it has affected the growth of other young coming up athletics.”

Haroune Korjie, Director of Sports at the Ministry of Sports, and AG Koroma, representative of the National Olympic Committee, extended warm appreciations by the Minister of Sports, Madam Augusta James Teima and appreciations by NOC President Prince Sualley. They acknowledged the ongoing issues within the athletics family and urged members to resolve the nonproductive conflicts within.

During a roll-call, the chairman confirmed at a constituted quorum, allowing the executive committee to make decisions. Reports on the status of the regional associations were presented, while stating the challenges, finances, activities, and successes.

President Bangura called for a discussion on the realignment and streamlining of the SLAA executive, noting that some members might perform better in different positions.

The Constitutional Review Committee (CRC) was formed and adopted, chaired by the legal adviser. The committee includes the SLAA secretariat, regional heads, the Technical Director, the Public Relations Officer, Women’s Representatives, and an Athletes Commission Representative, with a mandate to overhaul the constitution effectively.

However, the Boxing Day Sports Committee was also established, with the Organizing Secretary as chair, to ensure the outcome of successful events in Bo at the Mini Stadium.

Dr. Adekali Sesay provided updates on the 2024 Grant for Growth Project.

A platform was created for members to express their grievances and expectations through “peaceful talk.”

After some extensive discussions, members unanimously agreed to move past previous conflicts and work toward a unified future.

The atmosphere of unity marked a successful conclusion of the meeting.

And members said, “The more we are together, the happier we shall be.”