By Alpha Barrie

His Excellency Hiroshi Yoshimoto, the Japan Ambassador to Sierra Leone, who is based Ghana, on Saturday, March 1st 2025, officially handed over sports equipment to the Sierra Leone Gymnastics Federation (SLGF) and the Sierra Leone Judo Association (SLJA) at the G. Shankerdas and Sons Compound 82 – 88 Kissy Dockyard, Ferry Junction in Freetown.

The sports equipment which includes Trampoline and Safety Landing Mats were donated to the Gymnastics Federation. 60 Tatami Mats and a huge consignment of uniforms were donated to the Judo Association by the government and the people of Japan, with handing over of the equipment facilitated by the Ambassador and the Japan’s Consul General in Sierra Leone, Dr. Kishore, who is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO)’s G. Shankerdas and Sons.

The colorful ceremony was graced by HE Hiroshi Yoshimoto- Japan Ambassador, National Olympic Committee of Sierra Leone (NOC-SLE)’s President Prince Sualley, Vice President Idris Massaqoiu, who doubles as the President of the Sierra Leone Judo Association, Secretary General-Ahmed Khanou, NSA’s Director of Participation and Sustainable Sport Steven Keifala, Sierra Leone Gymnastics Federation’s President Anna Williams, Secretary General-Alhaji Maddi Bangura and Dr. Kishore and more.

Speaking at the event chaired by Keturoh Victoria Amara, the Secretary to office of the Hon. Consul General of Japan, H. E. Hiroshi Yoshimoto, said It’s a great pleasure for him to be in the country to handover the equipment to Sierra Leone Gymnastics Federation and from the Japanese Gymnastics Association and at the same time to present Tatami mats and Judo uniforms to the Judo Association as well.

“With regards to gymnastics, it is great to motivate the Federation in Sierra Leone; it has tirelessly promoted the sports within and beyond the borders of this country. They participated in the 2nd Baku Gym For All International Challenge in Azerbaijan. The Federation has created an avenue for young school going children to showcase their skills and potential thereby encouraging success and also transforming the lives of vulnerable children,” he stated.

The Japanese Ambassador added: “Today’s donation will go a long way to support Sierra Leone Gymnastics Federation and as well as Sierra Leone Judo Association in their main aim of identifying and nurturing the next generation of first class gymnasts and Judokas. We are confident that this will lead to a positive and tight relationship between the sporting associations of our countries and strengthen the bond between Sierra Leone and Japan,” he affirmed.

In her statement, SLGF’s President Anna Williams noted that a new discipline has emerged, a new hope for the kids, as fresh energies will be injected into the society through the coming of this Standard Olympic Trampoline from Japan.

She highlighted among the nine recognized FIG sporting disciplines it is only the Men’s Artistic and Trampoline Gymnastics are not in existence in Sierra Leone, because of the non-availability of equipment as they are very expensive to acquire.

She continued that through the support from Morinari Watanabe, International Gymnastic Federation (FIG)’s President and the Japan Gymnastics Association, they’ve received a brand new Trampoline and Safe Landing Mats for competitions, extending her gratitude to Vijay and Dr. Kishore Shankerdas for their timely intervention to clear the container at the Freetown Port.

Williams also thanked the Japanese Ambassador to Sierra Leone H.E. Yoshimoto and his team especially Madam Kozue, Prudence and the entire staff of the embassy for working behind the scene to ensure the smooth delivery of the equipment.

She concluded by lauding the continuous supports from the Sports Ministry, NSA and the NOC-SLE as they are partners in promoting and developing sports in the country.

Idris Massaqoui, the President of the Sierra Leone Judo Association, underscored the long existing partnership with the Japanese Embassy, spanning over seven years.

Handover the equipment to the Sierra Leone Gymnastics Federation and the Sierra Leone Judo Federal, Dr. Kishore, the Japan Consul General in Sierra Leone emphasized the gifts are from the Government and People of Japan to the Government and people of Sierra Leone. It comes from via the Ambassador of Japan through the Gymnastics Federation and the Judo Association.

“I really hope that the equipment will be really used for its purpose and many Sierra Leoneans’ youth can take the opportunity through the organization to learn Judo and train Gymnastics to the extent they can be world class and get some medals from the Olympics whenever it commences. I know there many talented Sierra Leoneans, but the equipment was not available,” he stated.

Statements were also made by the NOC-SLE’s President Prince Sualley, Steven Kelfala, the Director of Participation and Sustainable Sports at the NSA.

Climaxing the ceremony, the Secretary General of National Olympic Committee-Ahmed Khanou dressed H.E. Yoshimoto, Madam Kozue and Dr. Kishore with special pins from the 2024 Paris Olympic Games and Sierra Leone Gymnastic Federation’s Secretary General Alhaji Maddi Bangura and Coach Elizabeth Belinda Kamara presented special welcome gifts to the Ambassador and Dr. Kishore.