The Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) is embarking on an initiative to promote sports within its ranks by partnering with the National Sports Authority (NSA) to construct a gymnasium at the Wilberforce Military Barracks in Freetown.

This collaborative effort stemmed from discussions held between Dr. Emmanuel Saffa Abdulai Esq, the head of NSA, and senior military officials from the Armed Forces Technical and Education College (AFTEC).

During a meeting held at the NSA Headquarters in Freetown on Tuesday, May 7th, 2024, Dr. Abdulai emphasized the importance of physical exercise alongside education, particularly within an institution like the military, which inherently involves physical activities. He expressed his belief that the military in Sierra Leone has vast untapped potential in sports and welcomed the opportunity to explore avenues for its development.

Dr. Abdulai acknowledged the constraints of limited resources but affirmed the NSA’s willingness to support AFTEC in their endeavor. He assured the military representatives that if the NSA lacks the necessary resources, they would seek assistance from other sporting disciplines to aid in capacity building for the army.

In response, Lieutenant Colonel Mamby, representing AFTEC, expressed gratitude for the swift response to their request for a meeting and conveyed his appreciation for Dr. Abdulai’s commitment to advancing sports within the military. The partnership between RSLAF and NSA signifies a significant step towards integrating sports into the military’s culture and fostering physical fitness among its personnel.

The establishment of a gymnasium at the Wilberforce Military Barracks will provide RSLAF members with access to state-of-the-art facilities for training and fitness activities. Beyond enhancing physical well-being, this initiative aims to cultivate a sense of camaraderie and teamwork among soldiers through sports engagement.