January 27, 2022
The Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Sierra Leone, Hu Zhangliang, has engaged the leaders of the National Olympic and Paralympic Committees of Sierra Leone on the readiness of Beijing to host the Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games that is due in February and March 2022.
Representing the Olympic Committee was the Treasurer, Mr. Prince Vandy Sualley who sat as Chairman of the NOC, whilst the Paralympics President, Unisa Deen Kargbo was in attendance at the virtual meeting. The Chinese Ambassador Hu Zhangliang noted his satisfaction for both committees in Sierra Leone over what he described as a smooth working relationship. He started by emphasizing that he watched the Leone Stars whilst playing in Cameroon and had wished for victory.
He mentioned that the city of Beijing is ready to host the Winter Olympic Games which will take place from 4th to 20th February 2022 and the Winter Paralympic Games from 4th to 13th March 2022. He noted that the President of China, Xi Jinping, had recently visited the sites to ensure they meet world standards for the success of the games.
The Chinese Ambassador to Sierra Leone was pleased that the Olympic and Paralympic Committees of Sierra Leone supported the China bid for hosting the 2022 Winter Games and condemned nations that wanted to use the games to express political feelings. He was also pleased that the world has stressed that politics should be taken out of the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
In their reactions, both Prince Sualley and Unisa Deen Kargbo expressed their appreciation to the Ambassador, whilst noting that the virtual meeting was a big opportunity for the development of Sports in Sierra Leone.
In one voice they emphasized that even though Sierra Leone athletes will not be at the Winter Games in Beijing they will follow the games and ensure that the media regularly inform the people of Sierra Leone. Prince Suellay in particular who represented NOC Chairman promised to relay the message to the chairman and the rest of the executive members.
The Paralympic and Olympic leaders in Sierra Leone in conclusion reaffirmed their support to the city of Beijing to host the games. They further registered their continuous support to China. Mr. Unisa Deen Kargbo recalled the contributions of China to the Paralympic Committee in the area of athlete’s development and office equipment. They expressed their thanks and appreciation to the Chinese Ambassador and the Embassy Staff in Freetown for hosting a successful meeting.