By Alpha Barrie

Sierra Leone’s Chef De Mission, Yayah Koroma, represented the Nationatioanl Olympic Committee at the just concluded 2025 Islamic Solidarity Games Chef de Mission Seminar in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Sierra Leone was among representatives from 57 National Olympic Committees (NOCs) participated in the Chefs de Mission Seminar for the Riyadh 2025 Islamic Solidarity Games, hearing positive progress updates and visiting key sites.

The meeting held from 1-2 June provided an opportunity for representatives from the ISSA and the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) to present detailed updates on preparations and operational plans for the Islamic Solidarity Games.

On the first day, the organizers of the multi-sport event provided participants with detailed information on the preparations for the upcoming Games, which will take place from November 7 to 21 and will bring together athletes from more than 50 countries.

During the Seminar, special attention was paid to topics of accommodation, transportation, logistics, and accreditation process, medical and anti-doping support. Tours of the main sports arenas and the athletes’ village were also held.

One of the key moments was the announcement of the inclusion of two new sports in the Games program – boxing and duathlon.

The Chef de Mission Seminar is an important element in the preparation of participating countries for the Islamic Solidarity Games, providing direct interaction between the National Olympic Committees and the Organizing Committee.

Delegates also visited the Athletes’ Village and each of the venue clusters that will be used for the Islamic Solidarity Games in November.

Presentations were conducted in an interactive manner, with opportunities for NOCs to have their questions answered on specific topics throughout the two days.

Topics covered by the LOC included NOC services available in the build-up to and during the Islamic Solidarity Games, the latest updates on the sports program, qualification pathways and facilities at the venues and the Athletes’ Village.

The processes for accreditation and sport entries were explained to the NOCs, and there were also presentations on medical services, the anti-doping program, Games services and transport plans, and media, communications and marketing activities.

Participants at the Chefs de Mission Seminar were given a tour of the Athletes’ Village with its impressive training facilities catering to all sports on the program.

They visited the renowned venues for camel racing and equestrian, along with the Boulevard cluster which boasts extensive experience in hosting major sporting events. The delegates additionally received a tour of the venues at Malaz and the Prince Faisal Bin Fahad Olympic Complex.

The venue plan for the Islamic Solidarity Games ensures outstanding facilities for athletes to thrive during competition, and promises to deliver a vibrant atmosphere with multiple venues in close proximity.

During the Chefs de Mission Seminar, the LOC reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and working closely with the 57 NOCs to support their preparations for the Islamic Solidarity Games.

The 6th Islamic Solidarity Games will be held in Riyadh from 7-21 November, with the event returning to Saudi Arabia 20 years on from when it hosted the inaugural edition in 2005.

It will bring together athletes from the ISSA’s 57 member countries, competing in 24 sports.

However, Sierra Leone secured bronze medal in gymnastics at the delayed 5th Islamic Solidarity Games in Konya, Turkey in 2022.

Meanwhile, the National Olympic Committee of Sierra Leone (NOC-SLE) is in preparation for the forthcoming Riyadh 2025 Islamic Solidarity Games in November.