Sierra Leone boxing’s build-up to the Paris Olympics will begin in a digital platform before the punches begin to fly in the ring.
The boxing association secretary-general Alhaji Komba has disclosed that he will be travelling to Spain for a management training which will begin with a two-phase online module – a programme that is vital for the country’s preparation for a busy year of activities.
“Title bouts are due in April,” Komba reveals. “It will be taking place in Bo which will be part of our Olympic trials.
“The benefits of the course to Sierra Leone cannot be overemphasized. It will build our capacity and further strengthen the ability to be able to capacitate other sports administrators in the country to be abreast with global best practices in the promotion and the development of boxing and sports generally, “he says.
The International Boxing Association (IBA) announced its collaboration with the Instituto Superior de Derecho y Economía (ISDE) in unveiling a groundbreaking educational initiative; the “Sports Management” course. Designed to cater for athletes, officials, federation, and confederation staff, as well as other stakeholders in the world of boxing, this course is set to empower individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary for success in the sports management arena.
The joint project of IBA ISDE’s Sports Management Course, announced the first participants who were accepted to complete the program. The first course will consist of 8 modules and commences on 1 February 2024.
In December 2022, IBA and ISDE entered into a cooperation agreement with the purpose of developing education in the sport of boxing. However, the SLBA’s Scribe Alhaji Komba was among 21 participants been shortlisted for the first course.
At its core delivery, this educational program seeks to offer retired athletes a unique opportunity to embark on a new career path following their boxing journey.
IBA’s commitment to supporting athletes’ transition beyond the ring is reflected in the course’s priority enrollment for retired athletes. However, other boxing stakeholders are also welcomed to join the course based on initial availability
According to Komba the scribe of the association he said the benefits of the course to Sierra Leone cannot be overemphasized. It will build my capacity and further strengthen my ability to be able to in turn capacitate other sports administrators in the country to be abreast with global best practices in the promotion and the development of boxing and sports generally.
As head of administration, the course will enable me to have control and management skills to further upgrade the administrative operation and opportunities of boxing and sports generally in the country
He revealed that Spain hosting the course is the decision of IBA and more the ISDE institution is based in Spain
When asked about the shortcomings in boxing management in Sierra Leone according to Komba honestly, like every other discipline, there are challenges in the administration of boxing due to lack of knowledge on the part of some administrators.
However, the challenges are not insurmountable to overcome; hence the more need for the course
When asked how many participants will be part of the program, he said 21 participants drawn from across the globe. And who are you expecting to meet with during the program
The boxing scribe said he is expecting to meet with them all the third and final tier of the course which is residential in Madrid, Spain, where I’ll try to not only gain the knowledge, but to further engage in bilateral relationships with other nations.