National Olympic Committee & Commonwealth Games Association Sierra Leone

NOC/CGA-SLE President Hails Wrestlers

Prince Sualley, President of the National Olympic Committee/Commonwealth Games Association of Sierra Leone (NOC/CGA-SLE), has praised the young wrestlers for their outstanding performance at the recently concluded West African Wrestling Championships.

The Sierra Leone Wrestling Association (SLWA) on Thursday formally presented the national U-17 team to the NOC/CGA-SLE boss and Executive, following their outstanding performance at the 2026 West African Wrestling Championships in Bissau

Sualley who also serves as President of the Wrestling Association said their outstanding display is a product of strategic investment through the Development of National Sport Structures (DNSS) initiative.

He commended the Association leadership for its transparent and inclusive approach to talent identification. He emphasised the importance of scouting athletes beyond Freetown, noting that the success of wrestlers from Makeni and Kenema sends a strong message about the potential in regional communities.

“I am particularly encouraged that these athletes are coming from outside Freetown. This demonstrates that talent exists across the country, and we must continue to open up opportunities nationwide,” Sualley said.

He also singled out Fatmata Binta Bah for her determination and intelligence, assuring the athletes of continued support and guidance from the NOC.

The President urged the young wrestlers to remain disciplined and committed, stressing that their achievements could open doors to greater opportunities in the future.

SLWA Secretary General Bai Bangura revealed that the team’s participation was initiated through a request from Olympic Solidarity earlier this year, prompting swift preparations for the championship.

He noted that the DNSS programme played a key role in identifying emerging talent, particularly the two female wrestlers who have been in the sport for only two months.

“Isata Sow was scouted in Makeni and Fatmata Binta Bah in Kenema during the DNSS programme. On the advice of international expert Charles Villet, we kept a close eye on them, while Alimamy Kamara has been developing over the past three to four years,” Bangura explained.

Sierra Leone U-17 Wrestlers Wins five Medals in West African Championships

The Sierra Leone U-17 Wrestling team has recorded a historic achievement at the just-concluded 2026 West African Wrestling Championships in Bissau, finishing the tournament with an impressive haul of five medals, including their first gold.

The Sierra Leonean youngsters' wrestlers delivered outstanding performances across both mat and beach wrestling events to return home with smiles.

In the mat wrestling, Sierra Leone's Alimamy Kamara emerged as the standout performer, winning gold in the 60kg Men’s Freestyle category whiles Fatmata Binta Bah secured a silver medal in the 65kg Women’s Freestyle category and Nenneh Isata Shaw added to the tally with a bronze medal in the 61kg Women’s Freestyle category.

The trio continued the momentum for the beach wrestling competitions with Fatmata Binta Bah securing her second medal of the tournament, winning silver in the 65kg Women’s Beach Wrestling category whiles Alimamy Kamara also doubled his medal count, earning bronze in the 60kg Men’s Beach.

"This is a remarkable performance and a historic breakthrough for wrestling in Sierra Leone. Notably, Alimamy Kamara’s gold medal is the first ever gold medal won by Sierra Leone in an international wrestling competition since the sport’s establishment in the country in 2006," said the Secretary General of the Association, Bai Bangura,

He added: "The achievement represents the first time a Sierra Leone wrestling delegation has secured as many as; five medals at a single international event, underscoring the steady growth and rising competitiveness of the sport in the country."

NOC-SLE President Hosts Wrestling Official as DNSS Programme Nears End

The National Olympic Committee of Sierra Leone has on Wednesday March 26 played host to South African wrestling official, Charles Villet, following a courtesy visit to the headquarters in Freetown, as part of efforts to strengthen wrestling development in the country.

Villet is in Sierra Leone to facilitate a three-day Level One Referees Course organised by the Sierra Leone Wrestling Association under the final phase of the Development of National Sport System (DNSS) programme. The training, taking place at the OlympAfrica Centre in Goderich, runs from March 24 to 26, 2026.

Welcoming the expert, NOC-SLE Secretary General Ahmed Khanou commended Villet’s commitment to developing wrestling in Africa, particularly his drive to increase the number of qualified referees on the continent.

NOC-SLE President Prince Vandy Sualley described Villet’s visit as a major boost for Sierra Leone wrestling, noting his global reputation and dedication to advancing the sport across Africa.

“He is among the best referees in the world and his vision for developing African officials is truly inspiring,” Sualley said, adding that the visit will have a lasting impact on the country’s wrestling landscape.

In his remarks, Villet expressed appreciation for the warm reception and reaffirmed his commitment to developing more referees across Africa.

“Africa is vast, and we need more referees from across the continent to be represented at world championships,” he said, promising continued support for capacity building.

Secretary General of Sierra Leone Wrestling Association, Bai Bangura, said the referees’ course marks the concluding stage of the DNSS initiative, which earlier saw coaching courses conducted in Makeni, Port Loko, Bo, and Kenema.

The referees’ training will conclude on Thursday, March 26, with the DNSS programme set to climax in a national wrestling championship scheduled for March 28–29. The Beach Wrestling event will take place at Milton Margai Beach on Saturday, followed by Mat Wrestling on Sunday at a venue to be confirmed.

Chef De Mission In Glasgow For CWG Seminar

Sierra Leone’s Chef de Mission, Yayah Koroma, has joined others from across the Commonwealth in Glasgow for a crucial seminar aimed at finalising operational plans for the 2026 Commonwealth Games.

The meeting has brought together Chefs de Mission from 74 Commonwealth nations and territories as part of key preparations for the Games, scheduled to run from July 23 to August 2, 2026, with more than 3,000 athletes expected to compete.

According to Koroma, the seminar focuses on refining operational strategies, including venue inspections and detailed reviews of logistics such as transportation and accommodation.

The gathering, taking place just months before the opening ceremony, marks a critical phase in ensuring the Games are delivered smoothly and efficiently.

Organisers say the 2026 edition will adopt a “reimagined” model—emphasising sustainability and an athlete-centered approach—by maximising the use of existing infrastructure to deliver a secure and well-coordinated event.

Koroma’s participation highlights Sierra Leone’s commitment to thorough preparation as the nation gears up to be part of the global multi-sport spectacle.

NOC/CGA-SLE President Inspects OlympAfrica Centre in Kalangba, Karene District, Intensifies Mobilisation Ahead of Turning of the Sod Ceremony

The President of the National Olympic Committee and Commonwealth Games Association of Sierra Leone (NOC/CGA-SLE), Prince Vandy Sualley, today Friday, 23rd January 2026, led members of the Secretariat on an inspection visit to the OlympAfrica Centre, Kalangba in the Karene District, North-Western Sierra Leone. The visit formed part of ongoing mobilisation efforts ahead of the formal handover of the site and the planned Turning of the Sod Ceremony scheduled for Friday, 6 February 2026.
En route to Kalangba, President Sualley made a brief stop in Portloko, where he paid a courtesy call on the Vice President of the Sierra Leone Football Association and Mayor of the Portloko City Council, Alie Badara Tarawally. During the engagement, the President briefed His Worship on progress made to date and outlined plans to mobilise the community and key stakeholders for the upcoming ceremony, seeking his guidance and leadership support.
Mayor Tarawally welcomed the visit and commended the President for the courtesy and inclusive approach. He affirmed his full support for the OlympAfrica Centre project and committed to assisting with the mobilisation of stakeholders, traditional authorities, and other dignitaries to ensure a successful Turning of the Sod Ceremony and strong community ownership of the initiative.

National Volleyball Federation Presents African Youth Games Gold Medalists to NOC President

The National Volleyball Federation of Sierra Leone formally presented the country’s Beach Volleyball Gold Medalists from the African Youth Games to the President of the National Olympic Committee of Sierra Leone, Prince Vandy Sualley, in recognition of their outstanding achievement and qualification pathway.

Presenting the athletes, Ahmed Khanou, President of the National Volleyball Federation, stated that the medal-winning team forms a core component of a structured high-performance pathway under the project “Operation Podium Finish – Dakar 2026.” He underscored that the initiative is designed to consolidate recent gains, deepen athlete development, and deliver podium outcomes at forthcoming continental competitions.

In his response, President Prince Vandy Sualley commended the Federation for its leadership and strategic clarity, emphasizing that volleyball has become a textbook example for National Sports Organisations in Sierra Leone in terms of governance, planning, and results delivery. He noted that the gold medal triumph and the resulting qualification trajectory toward African Youth Games warrant national-level recognition, including Presidential acknowledgment, given their significance to the country’s international sporting profile.

President Sualley congratulated the athletes, the technical team, and the NOC administration, while also highlighting that the NOC’s targeted investment—despite operating under bare-minimum funding conditions—prioritized beach volleyball due to the sport’s high medal potential and the demonstrable readiness of the athletes. He reaffirmed the NOC’s commitment to sustaining focused support where performance indicators justify strategic allocation.

The presentation concluded with renewed assurances of collaboration between the Federation and the NOC to maintain momentum toward Dakar 2026 and beyond.

Sierra Leone Boxing Association Presents President Solomon D. Kargbo to NOC/CGA-SLE Following His Election as President of the Continental Boxing Confederation of Africa

Freetown, Sierra Leone — The Sierra Leone Boxing Association has formally presented its President, Solomon D. Kargbo, to the National Olympic Committee and Commonwealth Games Association of Sierra Leone following his election as President of the Continental Boxing Confederation of Africa.

The presentation marks a defining moment for Sierra Leonean sport and a major milestone for boxing governance on the continent. President Kargbo’s elevation to continental leadership affirms Sierra Leone’s growing credibility, influence, and contribution to international sport administration.

Speaking on the significance of the achievement, the Sierra Leone Boxing Association described the election as a strong endorsement of the Federation’s governance reforms, technical development programmes, and sustained international engagement. The continental mandate is expected to unlock expanded opportunities for athletes, coaches, referees, and administrators through improved access to competitions, education pathways, high-performance frameworks, and strategic partnerships across Africa.

At the Olympic Movement level, the development reinforces Sierra Leone’s standing as an emerging leader in sport governance. It strengthens institutional ties with international federations and advances the objectives of good governance, integrity, and athlete-centred development, consistent with Olympic values.

Reacting to the development, Prince Vandy Sualley, President of the NOC/CGA-SLE, emphasized the broader national relevance of the laurel to both the Olympic and Commonwealth Movement:

“This laurel is a testament to Sierra Leone’s growing footprint in international sport governance. It validates our collective commitment to integrity, capacity-building, and athlete-centred development within the Olympic and Commonwealth Movement. President Kargbo’s election amplifies Sierra Leone’s voice at continental level, opens new pathways for our athletes and technical officials, and reinforces our ambition to compete, lead, and excel with distinction.”

The NOC/CGA-SLE further noted that President Kargbo’s leadership at continental level will contribute meaningfully to policy direction, technical standards, and competition structures for boxing in Africa, while simultaneously strengthening Sierra Leone’s strategic positioning within global sport governance ecosystems.

In receiving the presentation, the NOC/CGA-SLE congratulated President Kargbo and the Sierra Leone Boxing Association on the historic achievement, reaffirming its commitment to working collaboratively with all National Sports Associations to elevate Sierra Leone’s presence, performance, and leadership across the Olympic and Commonwealth Movement.

Sierra Leone Crowned African Youth Games Beach Volleyball Champions

Sierra Leone have been crowned African Youth Games men’s Beach Volleyball Champions, securing gold with a commanding 2–0 victory over Zone 2 and West Africa rivals The Gambia in the final played in Luanda, Angola.

In a high-intensity contest befitting a continental final, the Sierra Leonean pair held their nerve in a tightly fought opening set, edging past the defending champions 22–20. Buoyed by momentum and tactical discipline, Team Salone asserted full control in the second set, closing the match 21–13 to seal a historic triumph.

The victory marks a significant milestone for Sierra Leone’s youth volleyball programme, as the team overturned a Gambian side that arrived in Luanda as back-to-back African champions, having dominated the ANOCA School Games and the CAVB U19 Championships.

This gold-medal performance completes an exceptional competitive run for Sierra Leone at youth continental level, following silver at the CAVB Youth Development Cup in Banjul and gold at the Zone 2 U18 Beach Volleyball Championships in Sal, Cape Verde, and firmly establishes the nation as a rising powerhouse in African beach volleyball.

Zone 2 supremacy is secured. Africa has new champions.

A Landmark Partnership for Clean Sport: NOC–Sierra Leone and SLFA Unite to Strengthen Anti-Doping Education and Build a Sustainable Drug-Testing Framework for Football.

The National Olympic Committee of Sierra Leone (NOC-SLE) and the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) formally entered into a strategic partnership with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Anti-Doping Education and the Development of Drug-Testing Structures in Football. The ceremony represented a significant step toward strengthening clean sport, protecting athletes, and aligning Sierra Leone’s football ecosystem with internationally accepted anti-doping standards.

Proceedings began with underscoring the shared commitment of all stakeholders to integrity, transparency, and collaboration. The event was officially called to order by Hon. Ahmed Khanou, Secretary General of the National Olympic Committee of Sierra Leone, who welcomed participants and highlighted the importance of the MOU as a framework for cooperation between two leading national sporting institutions. He noted that the agreement establishes a clear pathway for structured anti-doping education and institutional support within football.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Brian Conton, National Director of the National Anti-Doping Organization of Sierra Leone (NADO-SLE), emphasized the global and national importance of anti-doping compliance. He explained that the MOU reflects a shared commitment by NOC-SLE, acting through NADO, and SLFA to promote clean sport and safeguard athletes’ welfare. Dr. Conton outlined how the partnership would focus on education, capacity building, awareness, and the gradual development of drug-testing systems in football, consistent with the guidelines of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). He further highlighted football’s extensive reach as a powerful platform for advancing anti-doping awareness nationwide.

The President of the Sierra Leone Football Association, President Babadi Kamara, delivered a statement reaffirming SLFA’s dedication to fair play and ethical sport. He stressed that the association recognizes anti-doping education as a critical responsibility across all levels of football, from grassroots to elite competitions. President Kamara highlighted the MOU’s objectives, including training and capacity-building for medical and technical personnel, outreach to players and officials, and the development of a roadmap for introducing doping-control procedures in domestic competitions. He described the partnership as a vital investment in the long-term credibility and development of football in Sierra Leone.

In his address, the President of the National Olympic Committee of Sierra Leone, Prince Vandy Sualley, emphasized the NOC-SLE’s mandate to uphold fair competition, Olympic values, and international standards. He underscored the role of NADO-SLE as the recognized authority for anti-doping and highlighted the importance of collaboration with national federations such as SLFA to ensure broad-based compliance. President Sualley described the MOU as a landmark agreement that strengthens institutional coordination, promotes athlete education, and sets the foundation for the future introduction of drug-testing systems in football, all in line with WADA regulations.

The ceremony was climaxed with the formal signing of the Memorandum of Understanding, symbolizing the shared commitment of both institutions. The MOU was signed on behalf of the Sierra Leone Football Association by President Babadi Kamara and on behalf of the National Olympic Committee of Sierra Leone by President Prince Vandy Sualley, with Dr. Brian Conton, National Director of NADO-SLE, serving as an official witness.

Through this agreement, NOC-SLE and SLFA committed to jointly designing and delivering anti-doping education programs, strengthening institutional capacity, engaging communities and youth structures, and developing a phased and compliant approach to doping control in football. The signing ceremony marked the beginning of a structured, cooperative effort to promote clean sport, protect athletes, and reinforce the integrity of football and sport in Sierra Leone.

NOC/CGA-SLE Partners with LKG ACCOUNTANTS to Implement New Finance Governance Tools with QuickBooks

Freetown, Sierra Leone – 18th September 2025

The National Olympic Committee & Commonwealth Games Association of Sierra Leone (NOC/CGA-SLE) has launched a new financial governance system with the adoption of QuickBooks software, underscoring its commitment to transparency, efficiency, and accountability in line with its Governance Improvement Project.

To deliver this milestone initiative, LKG ACCOUNTANTS has been formally contracted to lead the project. Their work will cover:
• Installation of the QuickBooks software
• Training of NOC/CGA-SLE personnel in effective use
• Data entry and migration of the last five years of financial records
• Production of a draft consolidated financial report
• Verification and quality review of all outputs
• Final handover and transfer of the system to the organisation

Speaking on the development, Mr. Prince Vandy Sualley, President of NOC/CGA-SLE, described the initiative as “a transformative step in our governance journey that ensures the organisation manages its resources responsibly and transparently. This tool is not only about numbers, but about strengthening trust with our stakeholders, athletes, and partners.”

Echoing this, Mr. Ahmed Khanou, Secretary General, noted that the system would “streamline reporting, improve planning, and bring Sierra Leone in line with international financial governance standards set by the IOC, the Commonwealth Games Federation, and the National Sports Authority.”

On behalf of LKG ACCOUNTANTS, the firm reaffirmed its commitment to delivering a robust system that will leave behind a lasting structure for modern financial management within Sierra Leone’s Olympic and Commonwealth movement.

This initiative represents a strong statement of intent by NOC/CGA-SLE to modernise its governance systems, safeguard resources, and ensure timely and credible financial information for decision-making at home and abroad.

Her Excellency Josephine Gauld Visits the Commonwealth Games Association of Sierra Leone

Freetown, Sierra Leone – Friday, 12th September 2025

The Commonwealth Games Association of Sierra Leone (CGA-SLE) today welcomed Her Excellency Josephine Gauld, British High Commissioner to Sierra Leone, at its headquarters on Walpole Street, Freetown.

Her Excellency Gauld, whose personal sporting interest is Polo and who has a strong background in Rowing having been born and bred on the River Thames, engaged in discussions with the leadership of the Association and met with the Presidents of the national federations of Rowing and Fencing, as well as the Chef de Mission for Team Sierra Leone to the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

High Commissioner’s Reflections

High Commissioner Gauld expressed her satisfaction with Sierra Leone’s preparations for Glasgow 2026, noting that the arrangements and pathways to medals are now more structured and promising. She pledged to initiate discussions with the Foreign Ministry regarding travel facilitation for Team Sierra Leone’s participation at Glasgow 2026, underlining the UK’s support for ensuring smooth access and representation.

She further commended the CGA-SLE for its commitment to athlete development, inclusion, and international representation, reaffirming the United Kingdom’s support for the Commonwealth sporting movement as a platform for youth empowerment and cultural exchange.

CGA President’s Remarks

Mr. Prince Vandy Sualley, President of the Commonwealth Games Association of Sierra Leone, provided Her Excellency with a synopsis of preparations for Glasgow 2026. He explained that the Association is working to present a formidable national team composed of both diaspora athletes and home-grown talents merged into one unified delegation:

“Our vision is to build a balanced and competitive Team Sierra Leone by combining the strength of our diaspora athletes with the determination and skill of our local athletes. Glasgow 2026 will be a moment for Sierra Leone to showcase its best — united as one team and one nation.”

Federation Presidents’ Statements

Mr. Mohamed Serry, President of the Sierra Leone Fencing Association, emphasised the importance of the High Commissioner’s visit:

“Fencing is still growing in Sierra Leone, but the interest from young people is very promising. We are working hard to establish pathways that can take athletes from community clubs to the international stage, and this engagement with Her Excellency reaffirms that we are on the right track.”

Mr. Issa Mansaray, President of the Sierra Leone Rowing Federation, highlighted the opportunities for rowing:

“Rowing offers Sierra Leone a unique opportunity to harness our waterways for sport and development. With the right support, we can produce athletes who will proudly represent the country while also creating a culture of fitness, resilience, and teamwork.”

Chef de Mission’s Briefing

Mr. Yayah Koroma, Chef de Mission for Glasgow 2026, outlined the efforts underway to prepare Team Sierra Leone:

“The CGA is working tirelessly to ensure Team Sierra Leone is ready for Glasgow 2026. From athlete qualification to logistical planning, every effort is being made to guarantee smooth participation. We are not only preparing to compete but to compete with pride and purpose, showcasing the talent and resilience of our athletes.”

CGA-SLE’s Commitment

The leadership of the CGA-SLE reiterated that preparations for Glasgow 2026 are central to the Association’s broader strategy to strengthen Sierra Leone’s place in the Commonwealth and Olympic Movement. The visit concluded with a shared commitment to deepen collaboration and open pathways for technical support, athlete exchange, and capacity building.