Minister of Sports, Madam Augusta James-Teima, recently returned from the 12th Annual Sports Forum in Russia, where she participated in discussions aimed at enhancing global sports cooperation and development.

Invited by the International Friendly Association in Sports, the Minister attended alongside her Deputy Secretary, bringing valuable insights back to Sierra Leone.

The forum gathered representatives from 40 countries, including heads of ministries responsible for sports, international organizations such as the UN and UNESCO, and prominent athletes, including Olympic champions.

The central focus was on fostering collaboration among sports stakeholders worldwide to enhance sporting activities and increase competition opportunities.

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One of the significant highlights of the conference was the proposal for a world-friendly competition, set to take place within the next two years. This event aims to showcase the power of sports, promote cultural development, and facilitate the sharing of ideas and training opportunities across nations.

During her time at the forum, Minister James-Teima was particularly encouraged by the Russian Gymnastic Association’s offer to train Sierra Leonean gymnasts. The initiative requires only the transportation costs for the athletes, while the Russian association will cover the training and other expenses.

Reflecting on her experience, Minister James-Teima noted the surprisingly strong religious commitment among the Russian attendees, with many participating in both church and mosque activities.

She expressed admiration for Russia’s robust youth sports systems that connect school, university, and national levels, emphasizing the importance of such links in fostering athletic development.

“The implementation of youth systems in Sierra Leone is still slow, but we must emulate successful models from larger nations like Russia,” Madam James-Teima stated.

“We have seen issues where older athletes compete against younger ones, which discourages young talent and hinders their dreams.”

As part of her commitment to improving sports in Sierra Leone, the Minister plans to engage with sporting associations to establish a more structured youth system. This initiative is crucial for nurturing young athletes and ensuring a sustainable pathway for their development.

The Minister’s participation in the forum is seen as a pivotal step towards elevating Sierra Leone’s sports scene, and her insights will guide future strategies to promote athletic excellence in the nation.