By Alpha Barrie
The National Sports Authority (NSA) Executive Director, Emmanuel Saffa Abdulai Esq., has propelled a volunteer programme involving ten law graduates from various colleges.
The programme, which began at the NSA’s Signal Hill Road office in Freetown, is designed to last for a minimum of three months, with the aims of providing practical work experience with a focus on sports law.
Abdulai emphasised the initiative’s goal of equipping fresh graduates with hands-on experience in areas such as the Sports Development Fund Legal Framework, Anti-doping Rules and Policies, and the National Court of Arbitration and Mediation.
‘While there will be some form of remuneration, the actual value lies in the invaluable learning experience,’ he stated.
Abdul Rahman Swaray, the Deputy Executive Director of NSA, highlighted the crucial role of legal professionals in sports governance. He explained that leveraging their expertise can significantly benefit the NSA in establishing and enforcing regulations. Swaray also pointed out that the NSA’s establishment by an Act of Parliament underscores the importance of understanding legal frameworks, noting that sports law is a unique and potentially lucrative field for aspiring lawyers.
Osman Gbla, one of the volunteers, expressed gratitude to the NSA for the opportunity, stating his eagerness to gain new experiences.
The presence of NSA officials Shamsu Mustapha and John Ngegba at the meeting further underscored the Authority’s commitment to nurturing young talents and promoting the understanding of sports law among future legal professionals.
The NSA’s volunteer programme serves as a commendable initiative to provide practical exposure to young graduates while emphasising the importance of legal expertise in sports governance.
Through this programme, the NSA aims to not only enhance its operations but also contribute to the professional development of aspiring legal minds in the field of sports law.
The programme is designed to last for a minimum of three months, offering a valuable introduction to the specialised discipline of sports law and its application within the NSA.
