June 24, 2021
By: Mohamed Abu Conteh
After a successful performance in the just concluded ECOWAS championship in Nigeria the Sierra Leone Athletics Association (SLAA) athletes has expressed frustration for the poor treatment given to them by the Ministry of Sports and the National Sports Authority.
According to the Fatoma one of the athletes that went with team said they faced with serious challenges while in Ghana, they spent 8 hours at the international Airport as some of them were not able to make the trip to Nigeria Kaduna.
Alie Kamara the Captain of the team said they went through several challenges on their way to Nigeria, Kaduna; though that has some amount of effect on the team but they were focus on the Championship and were able reached two days ahead of the tournament. He said they were able to grasp the eight gold Championship medal as a result of the constraints. However, they are calling on the Government, the Ministry of Sports and National Sports Authority to give them what’s due them.
“Since we returned it has taken four weeks we are yet to get any word from the Authorities concerns.”
James Lemon the athlete’s representative said “it is unfortunate situation facing the athletes, we went there and raised the green, White, and Blue high in the international stage but only to face less attention on all what we have done for this Country”.
According to Eric Fomba the head of Communication at the National Sports Authority said there has been frantic efforts from the Ministry of Finance, but the said money it yet to reached their account for disbursement, and they are working on some documentations before they can get their allowance.
Amidst all the challenges facing the Sierra Leone Athletics Association athletes we were able to make the country proud in the International stage, narrated one athletes. o