The Minister of Sports, Augusta James-Teima, on Saturday attended a fundraising event hosted by former Sierra Leone Football Association President Isha Johansen at her residence at Babadorie Junction, Lumley, in Freetown. She served as Special Distinguished Patron at the event.
Speaking during the programme, the Minister highlighted the important role sports can play in correctional facilities, especially for women inmates. She described sports as a powerful tool for rehabilitation, physical fitness, and emotional wellbeing.
She explained that incarceration often limits movement and access to physical activity, adding that structured sports programmes can help inmates reduce stress, improve mental health, and prepare for reintegration into society.
“As a woman who has served in politics and different associations, I understand the importance of freedom and movement. Sports can help rebuild lives, keep inmates fit, and provide emotional stability,” she said.
Madam James-Teima reaffirmed her ministry’s commitment to gender inclusion, stressing that sports should never be seen as an activity reserved for men alone.
She noted that the Ministry of Sports is working to increase women’s participation in sports, in line with the national 30 percent gender inclusion target promoted by the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs.
According to her, the Ministry also plans to expand sporting opportunities for women in correctional centres across the country, ensuring that sports become an integral part of rehabilitation and welfare programmes.
She further disclosed plans to develop cabinet papers and advocate for stronger national policies to support sports development, including improved facilities, equipment, and training opportunities.
“Sports is expensive, and government cannot do it alone. It must be everyone’s responsibility. We need support from society, institutions, and individuals,” she stated.
The Minister also emphasized the importance of identifying and nurturing hidden talents within correctional facilities, noting that some inmates may already have experience as referees, coaches, or sports officials whose skills should not be wasted.
She concluded by calling for a collective national effort to use sports as a tool for empowerment, particularly for women in correctional centres and other vulnerable groups across Sierra Leone.
Other dignitaries present at the event included the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Alpha Sesay; the Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs; officials from the Freetown City Council; former Leone Stars captain Mohamed Kallon; and several other distinguished guests.