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Dr. Emmanuel Saffa Abdulai has presented financial awards to winners of the inaugural National Canoe Competition, an event organized to promote grassroots sports development and youth participation across Sierra Leone’s coastal and riverine communities.
The competition, held in celebration of Independence Day, was coordinated by the Sierra Leone Canoe Association, with its National Secretary General, Donald Kalokoh, noting that preparations spanned approximately four months.
He explained that the association conducted targeted outreach to 16 communities, including Bonthe, as part of efforts to ensure broad national participation.
However, Kalokoh stated that logistical and operational constraints ultimately led to the final event being limited to seven participating communities. Competitors were divided across four race categories to determine the final standings.
At the conclusion of the races, Bonthe Community emerged as overall champions. Black Johnson Beach secured second place, while Mama Beach finished in third position.
Speaking at the award ceremony, Dr. Abdulai commended the association for independently organizing the competition without reliance on government funding.
He described the initiative as a positive step toward expanding sporting opportunities and engaging young people in structured recreational activities.
He further emphasized the importance of fairness, inclusivity, and transparency in sports administration, noting that such principles are essential for the sustainable growth of canoeing across the country.
The inaugural event is being viewed by stakeholders as a foundation for broader national development of canoe racing, particularly in coastal and riverine communities where the sport is deeply rooted.
