The President of the Sierra Leone Cycling Association SLCA, Mohammed Sidi Kamara, together with his executive, last Friday paid a civility call on the Minister of Sports, Madam Augusta James-Teima at Bishop House in Freetown for aid in their upcoming activities.
He expressed delight for the visit, pledging and their total support to the Minister.
“We are ready to work with you throughout your stay in office as Minister of Sports”, he assured.
He furthered updates on the challenges the Association is facing. “For over five years now, the Association has not participated in national and international tournaments because the past executive was in disarray.
“The President of NOC-SL Prince Vandy Sualley through their international Federation and the NSA authorities intervened to help us conduct a peaceful election few months ago. Now we have relative peace and are working as a formidable team,” Mr. Kamara stated.
The CEO of Tour de Lunsar Cycling Tournament and also a member of the Association, Abdul Karim Kamara said: “Every year, we host the Tour De Lunsar Cycling Tournament in Lunsar and Freetown. Cyclists from various countries always participate. Cyclist Fatmata Deborah Conteh has also made great successes internationally for her country with other so many successful stories with Tour de Lunsar Cycling Tournament both national and international”, he added.
In her response, Madam Minister expressed appreciations to the President and his Executive for the visit. “I am happy to receive you in my office as an Association. Now that you have got new Executive, work as one for development within the Association,” she said.
Madam Minister noted: “Before, Cycling Association was a force to reckon with in terms of your activities. Let me assure you, as a Minister, that we will work together to develop your Association.”
She encouraged to welcome women into the Association, and also commended NOC-SL President, NSA Authorities, and their International Federation for restoring relative peace in the Association.
“SLCA is at liberty to info the Ministry on national and international activities for record purposes and transparency. We are putting modalities in place for a ranking system which will qualify each Association to receive government funding,” she said and stressed that her doors are always open them.”
Permanent Secretary Joseph T. Kany appealed to the Cycling Association to send their calendar of activities to the Ministry of Sports in future.