Athletes Across 13 Sporting Disciplines Receive Presidential Honours for Outstanding Performances

His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio has presented medals and trophies to national athletes from thirteen sporting disciplines, recognizing their exceptional performances on the international stage.

The ceremony, held in Freetown, also featured the official launch of the Football for Schools Project, a joint initiative between the Government of Sierra Leone and FIFA.

The athletes honoured represented a wide range of disciplines, including karate, scrabble, gymnastics, volleyball, cricket, basketball, boxing, cycling, athletics, and women’s football, among others.

In his remarks, President Bio congratulated the Sierra Queens, the Under-17 Female Football Team, and all national athletes for proudly flying the green, white, and blue flag of Sierra Leone at global competitions.

“We are here today to acknowledge and compliment you for the great job you have done for our beloved nation,” the President said, describing the athletes as national heroes. He reaffirmed his government’s commitment to supporting all sports across the country.

Highlighting his administration’s deliberate push for women’s empowerment through sports, President Bio celebrated the achievements of the national women’s teams, especially their triumph as WAFU A Champions, describing it as a proud moment for the nation.

“I am proud of you, and I want you to also feel proud of yourselves,” he told the female athletes, while encouraging the private sector to increase its support for sports development.

The President further underscored sports as a unifying force that brings citizens together beyond political divides, stressing that victories on the field strengthen national pride and cohesion.

The event also marked the formal launch of the Football for Schools Project, aimed at nurturing young football talent nationwide. President Bio reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to providing schools with the resources and training needed to develop the next generation of football stars.

Minister of Sports, Madam Augusta James-Teima, described the occasion as historic for Sierra Leone’s sporting community and commended the President for his leadership and unwavering support.

SLFA President Babadi Kamara also praised the athletes for their outstanding performances and pledged continued collaboration with the government and private sector to enhance sports development across the country.