Special Olympics Sierra Leone

SOSL National Executive Director (Justin Kamara) and Sport Director (Major Melvin Sandy) adequately showcasing the SOSL at international stage.

On this World Mental Health Day, October 10th, we at Special Olympics Sierra Leone are proud to celebrate the unbreakable spirit of our athletes—those with intellectual disabilities who remind us every day that true strength lies in resilience, community, and joy.

To our incredible athletes, volunteers, and families: Your courage inspires Sierra Leone. Together, we're transforming perceptions—one unified game, one empowered smile at a time.

In the vibrant heart of Freetown, under the relentless Sierra Leonean sun, a group of determined athletes gathers on a makeshift badminton court. Dust swirls around their feet as shuttles soar through the air, accompanied by laughter, cheers, and the rhythmic thwack of rackets. This isn't your typical training session—it's a beacon of inclusion, where we rediscover joy, confidence, and community through the fast-paced world of badminton.
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Best Player of the TournamentPresented to:
Micheal
  For outstanding athleticism, sportsmanship, and unwavering spirit on the field.

In preparation for our First Unified Football Match with the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces
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UNIFY FOOTBALL MATCH!

Join Us for a Historic Game

✦ Featuring the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces
Versus
✦ Athletes with Intellectual Disabilities

Date: Monday, 29th September 2025

Location: Armed Forces Training Centre Football Field

Be part of the movement!  Support Special Olympics!
Promote Inclusion & Unity!

*Together, We Can Make a Difference!*
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*Breaking Barriers Through Football: A Historic Match Between the Military and Special Olympics Athletes*
On Saturday, 27th September 2025, history will be made at the Armed Forces Training Centre in Benguema, as the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) and Special Olympics Sierra Leone (SOSL) unite for an extraordinary football match. This landmark event brings together members of the armed forces and athletes with intellectual disabilities in a show of unity, inclusion, and mutual respect the first of its kind in Sierra Leone.
The match is part of Special Olympics Sierra Leone’s mission to use sports as a tool to empower persons with intellectual disabilities and change societal perceptions around disability. It also marks a significant step in the military’s evolving role as not just a defender of the nation, but a champion of human rights, diversity, and social integration.
Speaking to Lieutenant Morie Koroma, Chief Instructor of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces, emphasized the importance of this event. “As a national armed force, we don’t only protect lives, property, and the territories of Sierra Leone,” he stated. “We also have a responsibility to promote diversity and inclusion in society.”
Although RSLAF has maintained a specialized sports unit for many years, this event represents a new chapter. “This is the first time we are engaging with persons with disabilities, particularly athletes with intellectual disabilities, through the Special Olympics Sierra Leone program, Lieutenant Koroma added. “And we are ready to embrace this opportunity fully introduced to us by SOSL”
The head coach of the SOSL also mentioned that the upcoming match is not just about competition it is about breaking stereotypes, building bridges, and creating an environment where inclusion is the norm, not the exception” He added that through sports, individuals from two seemingly different worlds the military and persons with intellectual disabilities will come together as equals on the field.
In his statement Mr Patrick Massaquoi, Deputy National Executive Director mentioned that the match also aims to inspire other sectors in Sierra Leone.
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In a significant step towards inclusion and empowerment of persons with intellectual disabilities,
Special Olympics Sierra Leone (SOSL) has commenced a strategic collaboration with the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) Sports Unit. 
On Wednesday, 20th August 2025, a high-level engagement was held at the Armed Forces Training Centre in Benguema, where representatives from SOSL’s Administration and Coaching teams met with Captain Sandy Abu, Adjutant of the RSLAF Sports Unit.
The SOSL delegation was led by Mr. Patrick Jibao
Massaquoi, Deputy National Executive Director. During his opening remarks, Mr. Massaquoi highlighted the global and national history of Special Olympics, its core mission to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, and how its values promote diversity, dignity,
and inclusion through sports.
The purpose of the meeting, Mr. Massaquoi noted, was to explore areas of collaboration between SOSL and the RSLAF Sports Unit, particularly in:
•        Utilizing military sports fields for inclusive events.
•        Engaging military sports coaches to support SOSL athletes.
•        Organizing “Unified Sports” events where military personnel play alongside athletes with intellectual disabilities, promoting teamwork and respect.
 
As a symbolic gesture of appreciation and commitment, the SOSL team presented a Life Patron Certificate and Hi-Vis Vest to Captain Sandy Abu for Major I.K. Marah, Head of the RSLAF Sports Unit, for his leadership in promoting inclusive sports.
 
 
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On Tuesday, 19th August 2025, Special Olympics Sierra Leone (SOSL) continued its unwavering commitment to advocacy, inclusion, and recognition of leadership in disability rights by paying a landmark courtesy visit to the newly appointed Chairman of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD), Mr. Brima Abdulai Sheriff. The visit took place at the NCPD headquarters, New England Ville, Freetown.

The two-man delegation from Special Olympics Sierra Leone was led by Mr. Patrick JIBAO Massaquoi, Deputy National Executive Director, accompanied by Pastor Joseph Fullah Jalloh, the Finance Officer. The visit was both symbolic and strategic, representing the start of a strengthened relationship between SOSL and NCPD under the new leadership.

National Executive Director Special Olympics Sierra Leone in attendance day two of the conference.

A cross section of National Executive directors and board members of Special Olympics Sierra Leone,

Group picture of board member Special Olympics Cameron, National Executive Director Special Olympics Cameron, and board chair Special Olympics Sierra Leone.
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