By: Mohamed Abu Conteh
Minister of Sports, Madam Augusta James-Teima, alongside her team, attended the Western Area Valley Ball Association (WAVA) Regional Championship, held at the Bishop House Complex at the National Stadium, Brookfields, Freetown. The event, which brought together regional volleyball teams, showcased remarkable talent and dedication to the sport.
During her remarks, Minister James-Teima expressed her satisfaction with the event and took the opportunity to encourage the players to continue working hard, emphasizing the importance of staying focused on their goals.
“Volleyball seems to be taking the lead. Your coach mentioned that this same enthusiasm is happening in other regions, which is exactly what we want to see. It allows us to identify more talents and open doors for new opportunities. As long as you continue to identify and nurture talent, there are no limits to where you can go. The sky will be the limit for you,” said the Minister.
Minister James-Teima stressed the critical role of focus in achieving success, urging the players to remain dedicated. “Success in sports requires focus, and it’s essential that you keep working hard, even when you face setbacks. There will always be winners and losers, but if you lose, don’t give up – keep working hard until you emerge victorious.”
The Minister of Sports also commended the women in volleyball, highlighting their continuous commitment to the sport. “We need to showcase more women in sports,” she said. “I commend the women for always giving their best. Your efforts are truly inspiring.”
Madam Augusta James-Teima ended by expressing her gratitude to the coaches, thanking them for their motivation and dedication to developing the athletes. “It is because of your continuous support and motivation that the players are here today. Keep the fire burning.”
The WAVA Regional Championship was an important platform for talent identification and for players to display their skills, as the country continues to support and invest in sports development including volleyball.
The Minister’s presence and encouraging words further solidified the government’s commitment to the growth of sports in Sierra Leone.
The Madam Minister was accompanied by the Permanent Secretary, Jusu, and the Director of Sports, Haroun Mustapha Korgi, among others.