The National Olympic Committee and Commonwealth Games Association of Sierra Leone (NOC/CGA-SLE) on Saturday concluded its four-day TAFISA Certified Leadership Training – Level I Course for Participants at the OlympAfrica Centre in Goderich, Freetown, marking another milestone in the country’s efforts to strengthen sports leadership and promote inclusive community-based physical activity programmes.
The training, held from July 8 to 11, brought together sports administrators, federation executives and emerging leaders from across Sierra Leone to enhance their leadership, management and organisational skills while advancing the Sport for All agenda.
Presenting an overview during the closing ceremony, NOC/CGA-SLE Secretary General Ahmed Khanou disclosed that 42 participants, including 17 women representing more than 40 percent of the class, took part in the programme. The participants represented 25 national sports federations and organisations, as well as the media.
Khanou described the strong female participation as a positive step towards promoting gender equality and leadership development within the Sport for All movement. He expressed appreciation to the international facilitators, Dr. Katongo Bwalya of Zambia and Elvis Nshimba of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, for delivering an engaging and impactful course.
He said participants explored key areas including Sport for All philosophy, leadership and governance, strategic planning, project development, community engagement, partnership building, advocacy and the delivery of sustainable physical activity programmes.
“The course encouraged collaboration, the sharing of experiences and the development of practical leadership skills that participants can apply within their organisations and communities,” Khanou said.
He also commended the NOC/CGA-SLE, the Sport for All Commission and the coordinating team for successfully organising the programme, while thanking participants for their discipline, enthusiasm and active engagement throughout the training.
“As we conclude this Level I course, we are confident that the knowledge, networks and skills gained over the past four days will strengthen the Sport for All movement in Sierra Leone and inspire participants to champion healthier, more active and inclusive communities. We now look forward to the commencement of Level II,” he added.
Speaking on behalf of the facilitators, Dr. Katongo Bwalya thanked the NOC/CGA-SLE for its warm hospitality and encouraged participants to put their newly acquired knowledge into practice.
“Opportunity favours the prepared. Continue building your capacity, remain ready for opportunities and become the change you want to see in Sierra Leone,” she advised.
Her fellow facilitator, Elvis Nshimba, expressed both gratitude and excitement, thanking the organisers and participants for making them feel at home throughout the programme.
He expressed confidence that participants would implement what they had learned in their respective organisations and communities, urging them to dream big, start small and remain committed to making a positive impact. He also assured participants of continued support whenever needed and expressed his eagerness to return for the Level II programme.
Delivering the vote of thanks on behalf of the participants, Sierra Leone Rowing Federation President Issa Mansaray said the training had transformed their understanding of sports leadership.
“We came here with empty slates, but we are leaving with fresh ideas and practical knowledge. We appreciate the NOC/CGA-SLE and our facilitators for investing in our development, and we look forward to implementing what we have learned while preparing for Level II,” he said.
Closing the programme, NOC/CGA-SLE President Prince Vandy Sualley described the training as another significant capacity-building achievement for the organisation.
He commended Secretary General Ahmed Khanou, Project Manager Bai Bangura, the administrative staff and the Sport for All Commission for successfully delivering the programme.
Sualley urged participants to translate the knowledge gained into meaningful action within their organisations and communities, stressing that the true success of the training would be measured by its impact on sports development across Sierra Leone.
Statement was also made by the Chairman of Sports for All Commission, Chairman James Fayia as the ceremony concluded with the presentation of certificates to all successful participants, bringing the four-day TAFISA Certified Leadership Training – Level I to a successful close.