Sports Minister Augusta James-Teima Rallies Team Sierra Leone in Dakar
Aminata Koroma The Minister of Sport, Hon. Augusta James-Teima, has led a high-level government delegation to visit and encourage Team Sierra Leone athletes competing at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Senegal.
The visit on Wednesday highlighted the Government’s commitment to supporting young athletes and boosting their morale as they represent the country at the international sporting competition.
The delegation included Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to Senegal, His Excellency Ibrahim Turay; National Sports Authority (NSA) Executive Director, Mohamed Alphaka Conteh Esq.; Director of Sport, Haroun Mustapha Korjie; and NSA Chairman, Ibrahim Nylenkeh.
Receiving the delegation, the President of the National Olympic Committee and Commonwealth Games Association of Sierra Leone (NOC/CGA-SLE), Prince Vandy Sualley, expressed appreciation for the Government’s continued support, particularly acknowledging Ambassador Turay’s presence and engagement with the athletes.
He described the Ambassador’s visit as a significant development in Sierra Leone’s history of participation in international multi-sport competitions.
President Sualley also praised the Beach Volleyball team for its competitive performances, noting that its progress was setting a positive example for other sporting disciplines.
Meanwhile, NSA Executive Director Mohamed Alphaka Conteh reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to supporting athletes and sporting activities, highlighting the provision of delegation allowances and contingency arrangements to cater for the team’s welfare during the Games.
Ambassador Turay also commended Team Sierra Leone for its representation, singling out the Beach Volleyball team for its impressive performances while recognising the efforts of athletes competing in Judo, Swimming and Athletics.
He assured the delegation of the Embassy’s continued diplomatic support and commitment to ensuring a smooth stay in Senegal.
For her part, Minister of Sport Augusta James-Teima commended the Sierra Leone Mission in Dakar, particularly Ambassador Turay and his staff, for their hospitality and support to the delegation.
The visit reflects growing collaboration between the Ministry of Sport, National Sports Authority, National Olympic Committee and Sierra Leone’s diplomatic mission in promoting the welfare of athletes and strengthening the country’s participation in international sporting competitions.