The training, held from September 7–10 at Olive Garden Sport in Lumley, Freetown, brought together coaches and Physical and Health Education teachers from various parts of the country.
The course forms the first Beach handball in Sierra Leone has received a major boost following the completion of a four-day Level 1 coaching course organised by the Sierra Leone Handball Association (SLHA) with support from the International Handball Federation (IHF).
phase of a three-stage development programme by the IHF aimed at strengthening local coaching capacity and creating opportunities for Sierra Leone to compete in beach handball at regional, continental and international levels.
French IHF expert Mickaël Illes, who facilitated the training, said the programme was designed to equip local coaches with the technical knowledge required to introduce and develop beach handball in schools, clubs and communities.
Illes said the next phase would involve the organization of an IHF Trophy competition in Sierra Leone, followed by efforts to prepare the country for participation in African and international competitions.
He also noted that beach handball is being considered for inclusion in the Olympic Games and could gain greater international exposure around the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
Meanwhile, National Olympic Committee of Sierra Leone (NOC-SLE) Chef de Mission Yayah Koroma challenged the newly trained coaches to use the knowledge and certificates acquired to promote and develop the sport across the country.
Deputy Executive Director of the National Sports Authority (NSA), Dr Abdul Rahman Swarray, commended the SLHA for its efforts to meet governance and sports development requirements, while encouraging the participants to contribute meaningfully to the growth of handball.
Representing the Minister of Sports, Director of Sports Haroun Korjie described the training as an important investment in the human resources needed to advance handball in Sierra Leone.
The ceremony also recognized former SLHA and NOC-SLE President Dr. Patrick Coker, NOC-SLE President Prince Vandy Sualley and other contributors for their roles in promoting handball in Sierra Leone.
In further support of the association’s long-term development, Solomon Katta donated one acre of land to the SLHA.
The event concluded with the presentation of certificates to participants, remarks from trainee Isata Koroma and a vote of thanks delivered by SLHA Public Relations Officer Femi Cole.