SLBA Expands Boxing Development to Kenema with Equipment Presentation
The Sierra Leone Boxing Association (SLBA) has intensified its efforts to decentralize boxing across the country with the presentation of boxing equipment to trained coaches in Kenema, following a training programme aimed at strengthening the development of the sport.
The presentation ceremony, held at the Kenema City Field Pavilion, brought together youth national boxing coaches, SLBA Regional Coordinator East Abdul Karim Mansaray, representatives of the Ministry of Sports/National Sports Authority (MOS/NSA), boxing players and other stakeholders.
Speaking at the ceremony, SLBA Regional Coordinator East Abdul Karim Mansaray, alias Bebeto, described the initiative as a significant step towards taking boxing beyond Freetown. He noted that boxing activities had for a long time been concentrated mainly in the capital, stressing that “Freetown is not only Sierra Leone.”
Mansaray said the SLBA leadership, under National President Solomon D. Kargbo and Secretary General Alhaji Komba, is committed to decentralizing the sport and creating opportunities for young people in the provinces to develop their talents.
He commended the National Sports Authority, particularly Executive Director Mohamed Alphaka Conteh and Director of Communications Eric Batilo Fomba, for supporting the expansion of sporting activities in the provinces, including the development of boxing in Kenema.
According to Mansaray, the trained coaches are expected to use the knowledge and skills acquired during the programme to train other aspiring boxers. He said the initiative would help create opportunities for young people in the Eastern Region to develop their abilities and eventually compete with boxers from other parts of Sierra Leone.
MOS/NSA Regional Sports Development Officer East, James Walker Kanu, also praised the National Sports Authority and the SLBA for their commitment to expanding sports development across the country. He welcomed the provision of modern boxing equipment, describing it as an important support for coaches and young athletes in Kenema.
Kanu emphasized that every sporting discipline has value and encouraged young people to identify sports in which they can develop their abilities. He noted that sporting success can benefit individuals, families, communities and the country, while also highlighting the government’s focus on decentralizing sports and creating opportunities for young people.
Youth National Head Coach Desmond Cole expressed appreciation for the reception given to the SLBA delegation in Kenema and credited the initiative to the leadership of National President Solomon D. Kargbo and Secretary General Alhaji Komba.
The equipment presented included boxing pads and gloves, which were handed over to two trained coaches to support the commencement and expansion of boxing training programmes in the region.
During the programme, the coaching team demonstrated various boxing techniques, styles and punches, while also educating participants on proper training and safety practices. Coach Cole urged the coaches and boxers to use the equipment responsibly and ensure that training sessions are conducted in a safe and controlled environment.
The initiative forms part of the SLBA’s broader efforts to take boxing beyond Freetown, strengthen sports development in the provinces and create a stronger pathway for discovering, training and developing young boxing talent across Sierra Leone.
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