By Alpha Barrie in Azerbaijan

Anna Williams, the President of the Gymnastics Federation, has expressed her gratitude to the government of Sierra Leone through the National Sports Authority for supporting Team Salone’s campaign at the 2nd Baku Gym for All International Challenge and also in participating in a week-long training camp in Azerbaijan.

14 gymnasts including cadet, junior and senior categories will participate in the two-day event (June 1 and 2), to be followed by partaking in a week-long training camp.

Williams, seen in high spirits during Wednesday’s arrival in Baku, said all their requests were granted, emphasising the huge government support by way of financial assistance through the Executive Director of the National Sports Authority (NSA), Emmanuel Saffa Abdulai.

‘It is a big factor and it sustained athletes’ fervour. We have Government’s support so everything is going well, thanks to our Government and the NSA for their timely support to ensure Sierra Leone is represented in this global event,’ she said.

‘We commend the new NSA Chief, Dr. Emmanuel Saffa Abdulai, who is not only a seasoned sports administrator, but also a former athlete, for his astute leadership and demonstrating his willingness to develop the sporting sector and engagements with us to assess our needs and provide the funding. We are here to compete for medals and to improve the performance of athletes and coaches,’ the Gymnastics Federation president maintained.

‘I feel really happy for Dr. Abdulai because he really made us feel belonged, taking into consideration after winning the first ever Games’ medal (Bronze) for Sierra Leone in the 5th Islamic Solidarity Games 2021 in Konya, Turkey, we were the unsung heroes. No one recognised or celebrated us and now under his leadership we’ve received a huge support from Government. This support has really motivated us and we are well prepared and ready to make the NSA, the Sports Ministry, the Government and the people of Sierra Leone proud,’ she promised.

She also heap praises on the Minister of Sports, Madam Augusta James-Taema, for facilitating the paper work for the cadet gymnasts to make the trip.

‘Successes in sports depend on many factors – talent, hard work, professionalism and will to win. Moreover, there should also be a belief in yourself and the team in sports. We are confident – Sierra Leone Gymnastics will have a lot of victories and achievements ahead. We have great potential for development. The most important fact is that we have the future – athletes here to compete and also participate in the week-long training camp,’ Madam Williams concluded.

The Head Coach, Oryah Mansaray, reiterated that success in sports depends on talent, hard work, professionalism and the will to win.