President Julius Maada Bio on 21st May 2023 revealed that in the last past five years of his leadership, his government has invested almost 250 billion Leones in Sports. He made this disclosure during the official opening of the Southern Arena Stadium in BO City the Southern District of the Country.
He further that the investment in sports has led to remarkable achievements as Leone Stars participated in the last Africa Cup of Nations held in Cameroon after; 26 years since the nation last qualified for any major tournaments.
He noted that when the SLPP Government took over the rein of power there was a serious decline in sports due to an increase in conflicts among Football stakeholders. He said there was no organized National League for five years, no international sporting competitions and budgetary allocation to the sporting discipline was something else; not until he took power all became a thing of the past.
He forwarded that hundreds of jobs have been created through the Premier League and over 25 Sierra Leoneans have secured professional contracts with over sea clubs; for the first time in the Country’s history.
He also heaped praises on the Mogbewmo Queens who were crowned Champions of the maiden edition of the female national league nationwide.
President Bio also said that in a decade his government has been able to finance the University and Africa games in Ethiopia and Nigeria respectively. Noting that in 2018 the Sierra Leone Cricket Association brought medals from the Nigerian T20 Women’s series, similarly Swimming, Karate, Boxing, and Wrestling.
“At this point let me use this opportunity to thank our National Football players, athletes, Coaches Technical teams, and Sports governing bodies for their dedication and commitment not only to representing Sierra Leone internationally but also to competing for medals,” said President Bio.
He affirmed that as President “I recognized that one of the challenges we are faced with is the absence of inadequate standard in infrastructure for all sporting disciplines.”
He expressed his delight towards the Southern Arena which is a FIFA Standard Stadium pitch, and that it will not only provide opportunities for Sports creation but also contribute to expanding the local economy as it provides 100 Football related Jobs.
On the other hand, Babadi Kamara the Chairman of BO Rangers Football Club said the day has provided a unique opportunity for him to stand in front of thousands of fans to speak on the grand opening of the stadium one of the best sporting facilities not only to Sierra Leone but the sub-region.
“Your Excellency Sir the construction of this Stadium was never a roller Coaster ride” adding that at the commencement of work, there was no formal Speech nor was there any support to aid the work. He said only a few of his friends could understand his dream and vision of constructing the Southern Arena Stadium.
During the official opening, there were thousands of Sierra Leone gathered to witness the opening of a Football match between East End Lions who emerge as Champions of the Interregional gala tournament lock horns with BO Rangers to get a grand winner for the Official opening.
