Sierra Leone's NSA Seeks EU Support for Sports Infrastructure Boost

Sierra Leone's NSA Seeks EU Support for Sports Infrastructure Boost

Sierra Leone’s National Sports Authority (NSA) is actively seeking European Union support to accelerate its ambitious sports infrastructure development plans, particularly the crucial shipment of 30 sets of artificial turf from Denmark.

A high-powered NSA delegation, led by Executive Director Dr. Emmanuel Saffa Abdulai, recently engaged in strategic discussions with EU Ambassador to Sierra Leone, H.E. Jacek Jankowski, and his team at the EU Head Office in Freetown. The meeting underscored the NSA's commitment to fostering international collaboration for sports growth.

Dr. Abdulai highlighted the NSA’s current initiative to acquire and install the generously donated artificial turfs from Danish sports institutions and individuals. However, he candidly addressed the significant hurdle of resource constraints, specifically the financial burden associated with transporting the turfs.

The Executive Director emphasized that the government currently serves as the sole financier of all sports activities, a model proving challenging given the nation's other pressing priorities. This reality has propelled the NSA to reach out to reputable development partners like the European Union for much-needed assistance.

Ambassador Jankowski commended Dr. Abdulai and his team for their forward-thinking leadership and proactive engagement in seeking solutions for sports development. While the EU could not make immediate commitments, the Ambassador encouraged the NSA to meticulously determine and present the total cost involved in shipping the artificial turf from Denmark to Sierra Leone.

Ambassador Jankowski further underscored the EU’s continued openness to diplomatic engagement, particularly in vital sectors such as sports. He stressed the profound role sports play in empowering youth and driving national development, affirming that the EU’s doors remain open to partnerships that contribute to Sierra Leone’s progress, especially in areas that keep young people meaningfully engaged.

The National Sports Authority, established by an Act of Parliament, holds the mandate to promote, develop, and supervise all sports and sporting activities across Sierra Leone, alongside related matters.