One of the best things introduced in Sierra Leone by the ERNEST BAI KOROMA-led APC Government was the SPORTS AUTHORITY ACT in 2017, thanks to the determination of the former Minister of Sports, Ahmed Khanou, who travelled far and wide to study pilot projects around the world.
The Sports Authority structure has been the craze for the last 5 years globally!
The law on sports received Presidential assent in 2018, a couple of months before the elections. But, the Bio Government took close to two years before appointing the board and complying with the Act.
I assume there was a justification for the delay.
The Sports Authority Board Chairman, Mr David Woobay is a very experienced former Director of Sports and veteran politician who headed the Moyamba District Council successfully, I must add, for 8 years.
The SLPP Manifesto on sports was the most elaborate and ambitious of any Political Party in recent times, yet not much of it is visible around the country and many have been asking: “Are they just empty promises?
And that is why I embrace the appointment of the Sports Authority Board. It is their responsibility now to translate the promises into reality…visible for all to see.
The Act gives unto the Board extraordinary powers to monitor, regulate and supervise sporting disciplines.
It gives powers like suspending licences of sporting disciplines, if these sporting disciplines do not adhere to their respective statutes…God Help Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) AND Sierra Leone Athletics Association (SLAA), both best described as serial violators.
The Sports Authority is now charged with approving financial support to sporting disciplines, inclusive of international events.
All Government funding should be directed through the Authority before it gets to the sporting disciplines.
That is going to be fun.
Get your coke and popcorn ready (LOL)
But, most importantly, the Authority is also charged with initiating a new Sports Policy, and undertaking the overall development of sporting infrastructures.
This is the most difficult challenge with limited funding possible from Government.
The Sports Authority Board needs to solicit local and external assistance if it is to succeed…and that requires a very efficient administrative set up.
Let me humbly caution the Board and the New Executive Director, Dr Kenneth Brima, to employ the best people for the job.
This is a new institution and you need the most appropriate employees to allow for the success of the authority.
If you fail to employ or appoint the right team you end up losing miserably and destroying the Sports Authority and defeating all its intended purposes.
I advise you to also go global in search of Sierra Leoneans, irrespective of party affiliations that can help you achieve your goals and with the initiative and knowledge to seek global partnership and funding.
A few that immediately comes to mind;
1.Dr Columbia Blango, an extraordinary athlete in his days and a former Mayor in the UK. He was actively involved in sports development in his borough and has a strong pedigree where fund raising is required.
He also introduced a wonderful development project while he was Mayor in his locality in the UK.
- MR Leslie Koroma involved in sports media and promotion of athletes in the USA. Leslie is now an international brand and has been at the helm of advocating better sporting policies in Sierra Leone.
- Madam Eunice Barber, an extraordinary athlete who had to change allegiance from Sierra Leone to France, in order to live her dream and compete at the very top.
Eunice is a strong character and could be an invaluable asset especially where the policy and development of the female athlete is the intended beneficiary.
Wishing you all the best and note our expectations are extremely high.
I am a friend, not a foe! I mean well!