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The Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, in collaboration with the Ministry of Sports, has unveiled the Community Beach Sports Tourism Initiative, a new programme designed to promote sporting excellence, environmental sustainability and national unity while strengthening Sierra Leone’s tourism sector.
The proposal was presented to the Ministry of Sports and the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) by the Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Nabeela Farida Tunis, who highlighted the growing global potential of sports tourism and its opportunities for Sierra Leone.
Minister Tunis said the initiative seeks to tackle the persistent challenge of waste management along the country’s coastline by linking beach sporting activities with environmental stewardship. She noted that the programme would encourage cleaner, healthier and more sustainable beaches while increasing community participation in environmental conservation.
She further explained that the long-term vision is to position Sierra Leone as West Africa’s leading destination for community beach football and beach volleyball competitions, while showcasing the country’s coastline as a premier tourism attraction.
According to the Minister, pilot events could be held during major national festivals, including the One Nation Reggae Festival, scheduled for 25–30 November, and the Gastronomy and Tourism Week, slated for 1–4 December. She added that the initiative aims to attract international beach sports competitions within the next three to four years.
Responding to the proposal, SLFA President Babadi Kamara welcomed the initiative, describing it as timely and impactful. He pledged the Association’s full support, assuring stakeholders that the SLFA would review the proposal and provide the necessary technical expertise to facilitate its implementation. He also commended Minister Tunis for championing an initiative that would contribute to improved coastal waste management and environmental sustainability.
Minister of Sports Augusta James-Teima also endorsed the proposal, describing it as an innovative approach to addressing environmental challenges while promoting sports development.
She reaffirmed her Ministry’s commitment to supporting the successful implementation of the initiative and strengthening collaboration between the two ministries.
