By: Mohamed Abu Conteh
Sierra Leone enjoyed a successful day at the Aerobic Gymnastics Championship final to grab a bronze medal in the 5th Islamic Solidarity Games in Konya, Turkey.
The country’s five-strong squad of Fatu Onanah Kamara, Umaru Barrie, Elizabeth Kamara, Fatu Jalloh and Michael Fornah combined to grab the bronze medal ahead of Iran and Benin respectively.
Host Turkey clinched gold while Azerbaijan settles for silver.
Speaking to this medium after the team’s impressive performance, President of the Sierra Leone Gymnastics Association (SLGA), Hannah Williams, said she felt elated when Sierra Leone was announced as the Bronze medalist for the tournament. Williams said: “It was a better and sweet moment for myself and these young lads because they trained for three months in Azerbaijan.”
Benin and Iran have participated in many games across the world, so finishing above them is a good start and it speaks of a brighter future for the gymnasts, she proudly said.
When asked what next for the young lads, she said: “The African Gymnastics Championship in Egypt is our next challenge, so we go straight to business when we return. “We are looking forward to the government and the business community to not only support us (SLGA) but to encourage young sports talents to have the desire and determination to represent the country in bigger tournaments “
Physical health education forms a critical part of the school curriculum across the globe and urged that Sierra Leone should replicate that to strengthen our participation in various sporting disciplines.
Lala Sports Monitor officer in Azerbaijan said she is proud of team Sierra Leone. Saying: “I was amazed by these lads’ performance in the championship; it was like wow when Sierra Leone was announced for bronze. We are proud of Hannah and the team.
She called on the Sierra Leone government to include Gymnastics in the school curriculum to catch them young.
“Gymnastics promotes all-round physical development, muscular strength, joint flexibility, balance, coordination as core strength is required for everyday living” she stressed.
She said Gymnastics is one of the prioritized sports in Azerbaijan adding that they are looking forward to competing in Sierra Leone.
She promised her country’s willingness to support SLGA in achieving its desired goals.
