By Alpha Barrie

The National Olympic Committee/ Commonwealth Games Association of Sierra Leone (NOC/CGA-SLE) has officially dispatched two young athletes to represent the nation at the maiden edition of the African School Games, scheduled to take place from 23rd July to 5th August 2025 in Algiers, Algeria.

Organized by ANOCA, in close collaboration with NOC Algeria and the Ministry of Sports, this trailblazing event will bring together 3000 young athletes from 53 African countries, a participation never seen before on the continent.

This major event is a first for the African continent: never before has a sports event of such magnitude, dedicated solely to young African school children, organized at this scale. Its goal is crystal clear: offer a unique platform for young talent identification, training and development, while instilling in them values of excellence, solidarity and fraternity – core values of the Olympic Movement.

Sierra Leone’s delegation headed by the Deputy Chef De Mission, James Faiya including the two athletes, Mabinty Kamara and John Prince Victorious, who will be competing in long and middle-distance athletics. Their selection makes a significant milestone in the nation’s drive to develop youth talent and deepen its presence in continental and global multi-sport events.

Speaking before the departure on Tuesday, July 22nd 2025, , the NOC/CGA-SLE’s President Prince Vandy Sualley, underscored the symbolism of this modest but meaningful participation.

“Though the size of our delegation is small, the symbolic value is profound. This represents our enduring commitment to youth development and Olympic values. These two athletes carry not only the flag of Sierra Leone, but also the aspirations of future generations of Olympians and Commonwealth athletes.”

Sualley continued that Sierra Leone’s participation in the African School Games is a strategic investment in its sports development pathway, especially as the country prepares for key upcoming multi-sport events including the Islamic Solidarity Games in Riyadh (2025), the African Youth Games in Luanda (December 2025), the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar (2026), the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow (2026), and the Summer Olympic Games in Los Angeles (2028).

These young athletes are not just competitors; they are ambassadors of our country’s resilience, courage, and promise. Their journey reflects sacrifice, preparation, and national pride, and we salute their willingness to carry our hopes onto the African stage.”

The NOC/CGA-SLE reaffirms its unwavering dedication to empowering young athletes and building strong foundations for Sierra Leone’s sporting future.