By Ibrahim Karim Bangura (Tanko)

The Sierra Leone government is unable to support Aquatic sports in the country.

Hazel Alamy who sets to represent Sierra Leone at the 2024 World championship in Hungary.

The championships, which kick-start on December 10, will see the athlete Alamy competing in the 50-meter freestyle and 50-meter butterfly events.

However, The Sierra Leone Aquatic Federation (SLAF) made several unsuccessful appeals for sponsorship, including to the National Sports Authority (NSA) but to no avail.

Alhaji Umaru Bah, Team Manager of the Leone Stars football squad, stepped in to provide little financial support. His intervention ensured Alamy’s participation and avoided the potential suspension of Sierra Leone’s membership in international aquatic organizations.

Alamy, who resides in London, will carry the nation’s hopes on the world stage. Her presence underscores Sierra Leone’s commitment to maintaining a foothold in global aquatic sports. The World Aquatic Championships serve as a critical platform for athletes and federation’s worldwide, thus offering the athletes to exposure, development opportunities, and a chance to compete at the highest level.

According to sports fans, SLAF’s struggle highlights wider concerns over sports funding in Sierra Leone, with officials urging for greater governmental and private sector aid.

The incumbent government should not use Leone Stars poor show during the AFCON 2025 campaign in supporting other sporting disciplines in the country as an excuse, fans have said.