Bonthe District Crowned Champions of Inaugural Canoe Championship

Bonthe District has been crowned champions of Sierra Leone’s inaugural National Canoe Championship, marking a historic moment for water sports in the country.

The competition, organised by the Sierra Leone Canoe Federation (SLCF), took place on 27 April at the Sea Coach Express facilities along the Lumley-Aberdeen Beach in Freetown. The event was staged as part of activities commemorating Sierra Leone’s Independence Day celebrations, with the aim of showcasing the nation’s maritime heritage and promoting canoeing as an emerging sport.

Although organisers initially expected participation from 16 coastal communities, the final event featured seven (with some reports indicating eight) competitive teams who battled across multiple race categories.

Athletes competed in four main sprint disciplines: the single-occupant (one-man) 200m, two-person 200m, five-person 200m, and the 10-person Dragon Canoe 500m race.

After a series of tightly contested races on the Atlantic waters, Bonthe District secured first place overall, followed by Mama Beach in second position and Black Johnson in third.

SLCF President Abdul Karim Koroma Junior described the championship as a “major milestone” for the federation, noting that it represents a significant step toward the professionalisation of canoeing in Sierra Leone. He added that the initiative is part of a broader strategy to develop local talent and prepare athletes for future international competition.

Despite the lower-than-expected turnout, organisers expressed satisfaction with the level of skill and competitiveness displayed by participating teams, describing the event as a strong foundation for future editions.

The final standings of the championship are as follows: Bonthe District (Champions), Mama Beach (Runners-up), and Black Johnson (Third Place).

The Sierra Leone Canoe Federation has indicated plans to expand the championship in subsequent years, with hopes of attracting more coastal communities and further strengthening the country’s connection to its maritime sporting tradition.