The Department of Human Kinetics and Sports at Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone, has last Saturday officially certified 12 Sports Journalists who successfully completed a two-week specialised training program on Sports Ethics, Administration and Management for Sports Journalists.
The two-week short course which was initiated by the Sports Writers Association of Sierra Leone (SWASAL), and facilities by the Department at FBC was able to enhance the professional capacity of sports journalists and students in the field of sports development.
In his statement, President of SWASAL, Sahr Morris Jr. said, he is delighted not because the journalists have completed the training but because they have established a long lasting relationship with the Human Kinetics and Sports Department, a drive he pledged to extent also to Njala University College, Bo.
“Congratulations to all who competed the training course, on behalf of the National Executive, we wish you all the best in your next step and hope you continue to be an ambassador of this department and to further serve as imperators to others,” Morris Jr. said adding that SWASAL will continue to demonstrate a consistent commitment to professional development.
The Head of Department, Sahr Francis Alpha, said he was pleased with the level of commitment from the participant and believes the two-weeks will definitely help shape their professionalism and their day to day journalism practices.
He said: “Today you are a different Sports journalists going forward and you must always be guided. We look forward to further collaboration with SWASAL to ensure we change the face of sports Administration and Management in Sierra Leone.
Deputy Executive Director of National Sports Authority who is also former SWASAL Vice President, Dr. Abdul Rahman Swarray in his brief address, encourage the sports journalists to embrace professional development and used the course as a stepping stone for more great opportunities in the academic journey.
The two-weeks training program was part of a broader vision by SWASAL and the Human Kinetic and Sports Department to professionalize sports reporting, support youth empowerment, and strengthen Sierra Leone’s sporting landscape.