By: Mohamed Abu Conteh
Sierra Leone is proudly represented at the ongoing 5th Continental Athlete Forum for African National Olympic Committee (NOC) Athletes’ Commissions, taking place from 4th to 7th April 2025, in Windhoek, the capital of Namibia. The high-level gathering is being hosted by the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA) Athletes’ Commission and is set to play a pivotal role in strengthening athlete representation across the continent.
Representing Sierra Leone at this prestigious event are the Co-chairs of the Sierra Leone Athletes Commission, Hafsatu Kamara and Mohamed Kamara. Their participation signals a strong commitment by Sierra Leone to amplify the voices of its athletes and ensure their welfare, development, and representation on the continental and global sports stage.
The forum brings together members of Athletes’ Commissions from various African NOCs, creating a platform for networking, collaboration, and capacity-building among athlete representatives. Central to the objectives of the forum is the mission to upskill athlete leaders, empowering them to better serve and advocate for their peers within their respective national commissions and beyond.
In addition to training and knowledge-sharing, the forum also aims to solidify the connection between the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Athletes’ Forum and those of the continental associations like ANOCA. This linkage is essential in ensuring that athletes across all five continents receive uniform levels of support, both on and off the field of play.
Speaking ahead of the event, Hafsatu Kamara, a former Olympic sprinter and an influential voice in Sierra Leonean athletics, emphasized the importance of such forums: “This is an opportunity not only to represent our athletes back home but to also bring back knowledge and tools that will help us improve athlete support structures in Sierra Leone.”
Her co-chair, Mohamed Kamara, echoed her sentiments, adding: “Being part of this forum is a major step in ensuring that our athletes’ voices are heard and respected at all levels. We are here to learn, to contribute, and to ensure Sierra Leone is an active player in the continental sports dialogue.”
Over the four days, delegates will engage in interactive sessions covering key topics such as athlete welfare, dual careers, mental health, governance, anti-doping, and preparations for major international competitions. The goal is to harmonize strategies that will ensure consistent advocacy, support, and empowerment of athletes continent-wide.
The participation of Sierra Leone in such an important forum underscores the nation’s ongoing efforts to raise its sporting profile and improve the structures that support athlete development. As the forum continues in Windhoek, it offers not only opportunities for growth and exchange but also a chance for Sierra Leone to further align itself with global standards of athlete support and representation.
As Hafsatu and Mohamed Kamara continue their engagements, they are expected to build meaningful connections and return home with a renewed vision for elevating the Sierra Leone Athletes Commission and, by extension, the nation’s sports ecosystem.