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George Edward Holland, a rising star in Sierra Leonean taekwondo, won a bronze medal in the men's under-21 featherweight division at the 2023 Australian Open. Holland's victory is a major achievement for Sierra Leonean taekwondo, as it is the first time that a Sierra Leonean athlete has won a medal at the Australian Open. The President of the Sierra Leone Taekwondo Association, Oness Abayomi Johnson, expressed his excitement over Holland's win, stating, "We are very proud of George. He is a talented athlete and a great ambassador for Sierra Leone." Holland himself was delighted with his performance, saying, "I am very happy with my win. I worked hard for this, and it is a great feeling to see my hard work pay off." Holland's victory is sure to inspire other young athletes in Sierra Leone and motivate them to pursue their dreams.

The Sierra Leone Football Association has announced that it has temporarily extended the contract of Coach John Keister, which will expire at month's end, for at least one more match. This was stated in a release issued out today 15th August 2023. The extension comes after mounting calls for Keister's sacking, following the team's less than satisfactory performances in recent matches. News of his replacement had been accompanied with the naming of experienced player, team owner and Coach Mohamed Kallon, as the new coach in waiting. These rumors have been pointed out as false and further clarified that Keister and his entire backroom staff have been enlisted for the upcoming match of the team, against Guinea Bissau. SLFA committed to a resolution of the issue of a Head coach on the return of the team, after the match scheduled to be played in early September in Bissau.

The Sierra Leone Female Patriots Cricket team met with the Minister of Sports, Augusta James Teima, on August 11, 2023, to discuss their plans for the future and to seek her support for their continued development. The team outlined their plans to compete in international tournaments and to raise the profile of cricket in Sierra Leone. They also discussed the challenges they face, such as a lack of funding and equipment. Minister Teima expressed her support for the team and pledged to help them overcome these challenges. She noted that the team's success would be a positive step for the development of cricket in Sierra Leone. This meeting was one of many introductory meetings held by representatives of different sporting disciplines to familiarize themselves with the newly appointed minister, who also happens to be the first female Sports minister.

Francess FC player Hindovei Tucker has arrived in Sweden to pursue his professional career with Boden BK FF, a third-tier club in the country. Francess FC had previously agreed to a deal with FC 2 KORRIKU, a first-division club in Kosovo, where Hindovei would have begun his professional career. However, due to visa delays, Francess FC had to terminate the agreement in order to ensure that Hindovei's pursuit of a professional career would not be hampered by visa or work permit issues. Hindovei, who his new club has watched highlights of and believes is a prolific striker who can make an immediate impact, is expected to make his debut for Boden BK FF in their upcoming match against Umeå FC on Sunday. Hindovei is originally from Sierra Leone, but he has been living in England since he was 10 years old. He is a graduate of the Francess FC academy, and he has been a regular in the first team for the past two seasons. He is known for his pace, finishing ability, and work ethic. Boden BK FF is a club with a rich history, and they are currently in the midst of a rebuilding process. Hindovei is expected to be a key player in their quest to return to the second tier. We wish Hindovei all the best in his new club and many goals ahead!

On International Youth Day, the Directorate of Youth Affairs, Office of the President of Sierra Leone, in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism and the National Youth Commission, organized a one-day beach clean-up at Lumley and Aberdeen beaches. The clean-up was intended to raise awareness of the importance of environmental protection and to encourage young people to take action to keep their communities clean. Speaking at the event, the Director of Youth Affairs, Office of the President, Immah Yonnie, said that the clean-up was a way of marking International Youth Day and of showing the world that young people in Sierra Leone are committed to making a difference. We are the future of this country, and we want to make sure that we leave it a better place than we found it", she said. The Deputy Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Dr. Kadijatu Grace Kamara, thanked the youths for their participation in the clean-up and said that it was important to keep the beaches clean for tourists and for the enjoyment of all Sierra Leoneans. "We want to make sure that our beaches are clean and safe for everyone", she said. The Deputy Youth Commissioner, Emmerson Kamara, said that the clean-up was a demonstration of the synergy and cooperation that exists between young people in Sierra Leone. "This is a great example of what young people can achieve when they work together", he said. The clean-up was deemed a success, and it is hoped that it will inspire other young people to take action to protect the environment. However, just days after, the outlook seems the same as or worse than before. It is hoped that a more lasting solution than clean-ups will be implemented.

Leading human rights protection group, Amnesty International Sierra Leone chapter has held a street march in the East End part of Freetown, as an awareness raising campaign against the abuse of drugs and drug related substances. The march which was done in commemoration of the international youths day annually celebrated on 12th August. The campaign was conducted from Grafton Bus Park to Jui Bus Park with a focus on the rampaging drug, Kush. Student Activist from the Freetown Polytechnic Mohamed Sallu Kamara explained that they took to the street to sensitize young stakeholders in the community on the harmful use of the cannabis strain called Kush that is destroying the lives of young people around the country. He emphasized that the focus is on Kush the endangering circumstances youths placed themselves in when under the influence of it, especially the high rate of its consumption and its increasing death rate in recent weeks. He advised youths in these communities to abstain from these drugs for their futures as the next generation of leaders, which the consumption of this drug will significantly negatively impact on. Chairlady of Grafton Bus Park identified as Isatu, commended Amnesty International for the engagement against the drugs which is deforming the youths, leaving them with sores and swollen body parts. She prayed for the government's intervention to enforce strict laws to control and ultimately eradicate the use of the drug. Abu Bakarr Tarawallie a user of the Substance Kushe who resides at the Grafton Bus Park said his experiences using the substance has destroyed his mental wellbeing and advised people to stay away from the drug as it has already destroyed his own life or any future improvements. Another user who relocated to Freetown from Kabala in search of work, John Sesay, was introduced to Kush by a friend. He has become addicted to it for the last two years. According to him, he is aware of the impact of it but he will be unable to stop taking it. As such, he is requesting stricter measures from the government to prevent the importation and availability of it. An Anonymous Shop owner from the Jui Bus Stop Park said these youth in these communities have been advised to refrain from the intake of the drug “kush” as they see it destroying them but they refuse, with some resorting to violent attacks on the first attempt at interventions. He explained breaking and entering situations to finance their addictions, with heavy costs implications on them relating to securing their business premises.

Thirty teenagers between the ages of thirteen to eighteen, have commenced a five days training in Judo, with the Budo Kai Martial Arts Club. Judo professionally called Judo Kai is a Japanese martial form, which harnesses the spirit for self improvement. The five-day judo training will be done at a camp in Bo, Sierra Leone with the aim of instilling the fundamentals of judo in the children. The children will learn the basics of judo, such as throws, grappling, and ground fighting.  They will also learn the importance of discipline, respect, and self-defense. The camp is being led by experienced judo instructors from Budo Kai Martial Arts Club who are passionate about teaching judo and have committed to providing the children with a safe and fun learning environment. The camp will hopefully create an opportunity for children to learn about judo and to develop their physical and mental skills. It is also an opportunity for children to make new friends and to build confidences

Bo Rangers and Coton FC will go head-to-head in the final of the West African Champions Cup on Sunday, August 13, 2023 at the Yorokoguia Stadium in Conakry, Guinea. Bo Rangers are the favorites to win the cup, having impressed throughout the tournament, coupled with a strong home record and have scored some impressive goals in the competition. However, Coton FC are a tough side and will not be easy to beat. They have a wealth of experience and will be determined to win the cup, making this match a close contest which could go either way. It promises to be a thrilling final and it will be interesting to see who comes out on top. The WACC Cup is a new tournament that was created to bring together the best clubs from West Africa for CAF Inter-Club Competition Preparation. It is the first time that a club from Sierra Leone has reached the final of the competition. Bo Rangers will be hoping to make history and become the first club from Sierra Leone to win the cup. They are a strong side with a lot of experience. They will be determined to win the WACC Cup just like Bo Rangers. It promises to be a thrilling final and it will be interesting to see who comes out on top.

The Fourah Bay Dodgeball team and the Sierra Leone Dodgeball Association (SLDBA) will be having a demonstration session of their developed skills on August 13, 2023, at 12:30 PM at the Freetown Amusement Park Hall (Victoria Park). The session is open to all levels of players, from beginners to experienced players. The session is being held to prepare Dodgeball players in Sierra Leone for the upcoming National Championship, through friendly competitions that will be played under the official Africa Dodgeball Federation (ADBF) rules. The President of SLDBA, Abdul Kassim Tejan, hopes that the tournament will help to raise the level of Dodgeball in Sierra Leone and to encourage more people to participate in the sport. He says the Fourah Bay Dodgeball Session is a great opportunity to support the growth of Dodgeball in Sierra Leone and that attendance of the session will help to promote the sport and to encourage more people to play.

In their continued efforts towards combating corruption and recovering stolen assets, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) today presented a cheque of ten Billion (Old) Leones and the 2022 Annual Report to His Excellency, President Brigadier (Rtd.) Dr. Julius Maada Bio. The handing over ceremony took place at State House in Freetown. The cheque, which is part of the ACC's non-conviction based asset recovery approach, totals retrieved assets linked to corruption and financial crimes, regardless of whether a conviction was obtained. ACC Commissioner, Francis Ben Kaifala Esq., emphasized on the importance of targeting assets alongside prosecution, prevention, and public education in the fight against corruption. He stated that Sierra Leone is a leading example in combating corruption in Africa given the implementation of their successful strategies. He continued that the presentation of the cheque communicates a powerful message that ill-gotten gains will not go unpunished, especially with government's determination to hold corrupt individuals accountable. In addition to the cheque, the ACC presented the 2022 Annual Report, providing an in-depth overview of the Commission's activities, achievements, and challenges throughout the year. The report highlights successful prosecutions, recovery of stolen assets, and the implementation of preventive measures to promote ethical conduct in both the public and private sectors. President Bio expressed his gratitude to the ACC for their relentless efforts towards eradicating corruption in Sierra Leone. He emphasized that transparency, accountability, and good governance are crucial for sustainable development and attracting investment to the country. He commended the ACC for its exceptional work and encouraged them to continue their fight against corruption at all levels of society. He reiterated his government's commitment to creating a corrupt-free Sierra Leone, where the rule of law prevails and public resources are utilized for the nation's progress and the welfare of its citizens.

Folk singer Fanta Sarah Kamara, known professionally as Fantacee Wiz, is experiencing a period of rapid professional growth. The Sierra Leonean singer has recently performed at several high-profile events, including the SLAAM Awards in June, where she won two awards, best female artist and best traditional artist. She is also set to perform at eight other events in the coming months, including a grand concert in Maryland, to promote her new album. In addition to her live performances, Fantacee has also been featured on several television shows and is currently being filmed for a documentary. She is also working on a music video for her spoken word video. When asked about her busy schedule, Fantacee said, "It feels amazing. I'm loving every minute of it." Fantacee's success is a testament to her talent and hard work. She is a rising star in the folk music scene and is sure to continue to achieve great things in the years to come.

The Rokel Commercial Bank (RCBank) in collaboration with the Sierra Leone National Scrabble Association (NSASL) will be holding a National Scrabble Tournament on August 18, 2023, as a way to get scrabblers in Sierra Leone ready for the country's hosting of the African Scrabble Championship in October of 2024. The NSASL is hoping that the tournament will help to raise the level of scrabble in Sierra Leone and to encourage more people to participate in the sport. The tournament will be played under the official World Scrabble Federation (WSF) rules. It will be starting at 10:00 AM at the Freetown Amusement Park Hall (Victoria Park). The tournament is open to all levels of players, from beginners to experienced scrabblers. There will be a cash prize for the winner, as well as prizes for the runner-up and the third-place finishers.