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Freetown, March 21, 2026 – The GEED Foundation is set to spearhead a landmark initiative aimed at promoting tourism and strengthening community ties with the launch of the Coastal Unity Boat Race 2026, scheduled for April 4–5 at Lumley Beach.
Organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, the event is supported by key partners including Rokel Commercial Bank and Africell. The initiative is designed to position boat riding as a structured tourism product while fostering youth engagement and unity among coastal communities.
The two-day event, set to take place at Gigibonta Car Park, Lumley Beach, will bring together at least fifteen coastal communities from across the Western Area Rural and Urban districts. Participating communities include Government Wharf, Kissy Ferry Terminal, Susan’s Bay, Congo Town, Moa Wharf, Tombo, Aberdeen, King Jimmy, Funkia, Levuma, No. 2 River, Lakka, Magazine, Kroo Bay, and Banana Water.
According to organizers, the Coastal Unity Boat Race marks the first event of its kind specifically designed to engage coastal communities on such a scale. It aims not only to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of canoe and boat riding but also to highlight the resilience of these communities in the face of environmental challenges.
The competition will see participating teams vie for attractive cash prizes, with the winning team set to receive NLe 50,000, while the first and second runners-up will take home NLe 40,000 and NLe 30,000 respectively. In addition, special awards will be presented for the three most creative flags by the Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Nabeela Farida Tunis.
Aligned with Sierra Leone’s “Year of Culture and Creativity,” the event underscores GEED Foundation’s commitment to leveraging culture and local traditions as drivers of sustainable tourism and economic empowerment.
Meanwhile, Rokel Commercial Bank has encouraged its staff to participate in the event as part of Easter weekend activities, inviting employees to attend alongside their families in support of the initiative.
Organizers say the Coastal Unity Boat Race is expected to serve as a vibrant celebration of culture, unity, and innovation along Sierra Leone’s coastline, while creating a platform for community-driven tourism experiences that could be replicated nationwide.
