By Alpha Barrie
Despite Sierra Leone’s Tug of War team failing to compete at the World Indoor Tug of War Championships which was held in Belfast, Northern Ireland, from 7 to 11 March 2023, the Technical Director and Head Coach, Sonny Johnson, was presented with a trophy and two medals.
After the entire delegation had their visas cancelled by the British High Commission in Sierra Leone, Coach Sonny Johnson was the only member of the Sierra Leone Tug of War Association and also in Africa that was given a visa to be part of the 2023 World Indoor Club Championships in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
According to Johnson, he was received with a special honour as the fact remains he was the only Black person in the championship, expressing his impression with regards to the organisation and the training he received.
He furthered that he was able to talk with the President and the Secretary General of the Tug of War Association in Northern Ireland about the challenges the association is going through in terms of equipment as it is a new sport in the country.
‘With me being the only African representative and black person that went there, before the end of the competition I was presented with a trophy and a medal by the Organising Committee. I also received a medal from an expert based in Birmingham whom usually offers me three hours training sessions daily,’ he said.
‘We received the invitation to participate in the championship which we honoured, but unfortunately I was not able to go with any athlete to participate because of the visa problem. I was the only one that received the UK visa and the athletes that were supposed to participate in the championship had their visas cancelled.
‘We are appealing to the British High Commission that they issue visas to our athletes so that Sierra Leone will be represented in future sports event. I was really disappointed because we never competed in the World Indoor Tug of War Championships in Belfast. After hectic training and preparations ahead of the championship we were denied the opportunity to showcase our talent and compete to put the country higher,’ he noted.
‘I was able to talk with the President and the Secretary General of the Tug of War association in Northern Ireland about the challenges the association is going through in terms of equipment as it is a new sport in the country. I received a positive response from the host President and I was assured that Northern Ireland will assist Sierra Leone with equipment as he is just waiting for us to write them and inform them about the kind of equipment we need. A pair of shoes that they are using in the sport was given to me as a gift,’ Coach Johnson revealed.
He said during some training sessions he asked to take note and video so that when returned home he will pass on those skills and tactics to the athletes. He was schooled on building the stage, the types of materials used for building the stages, uniforms, with the type of shoe the athletes are supposed to use for the sports and many more.
‘I’ve learnt a lot and I’ve returned to develop the sport in the country. I am looking forward to the NSA and the Sports Ministry to continue supporting us so that the sport will develop and Sierra Leone will be represented in future competitions,’ Sonny Johnson appealed.