Africa Young Voices (AYV) » Sport

Michael Felix Rowe Receives MEMOS Degree

Editor — Thu, 23 May 2013 11:49:23 +0000

Michael Felix Rowe

Sierra Leone has again scored another point in sports with Michael Felix Rowe becoming the first Sierra Leonean to receive the Executive masters in sports organization management (MEMOS) degree.

The MEMOS programmed was supported by the National Olympic Committee of Sierra Leone (NOC SL) through the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

The MEMOS programmed consists of four modules and involves four universities, among them the Swiss Graduate School of Public Administration and Management.

Rowe said the role of Memosian is to be able to manage and develop different sport organizations within the country and beyond, also to implement and develop administrative management policies as well as serving as marketing and sport manager for sports in Sierra Leone.

During the certification ceremony, Michael Felix Rowe was the only one from West Africa.

Michael Rowe, who is the head of Games and Sports Department at the College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of Sierra Leone, thanked the National Olympic Committee for nominating him for the course.

Rowe is also the first Sierra Leonean to obtain the highest IOC degree as International Sports Manager for West Africa.

Under- 19 Cricket Team pays Farwell to deputy Minister of Sports

Editor — Thu, 23 May 2013 11:45:24 +0000

Deputy Minister of Sports Ishmeal Al-Sankoh Conteh making a statement

The U-19 Cricket team on Wednesday visited the deputy Minister of Sports, Ishmael Al-Sankoh Conteh, at his Bishop House office, National Stadium, Freetown to bid him farewell as they prepare to depart for Uganda to partake at the U-19 World Cricket Championship qualification.

The Chairman of the Sierra Leone Cricket Association, Bournes-Coker, said it is a tradition for the cricket family to pay farewell visit to the minister to ask for his blessing as the boys left for Uganda to represent the nation.

Coker said 13 players and two officials form the delegation for Uganda.

He said for the past years the cricket team enjoyed very good relationship with the Ministry of Sports and that they are hoping the relationship will continue for the good of the sport.

The Deputy Minister of Sports said the farewell visit demonstrates the cordial relationship existing between the Ministry and the Cricket Association, adding that he hoped the boys will make the nation proud.

“Cricket is one of the most organized sporting disciplines in the country and as Deputy Minister, I am proud of that achievement. I look forward to the boys to do their best as they will be representing millions of Sierra Leoneans in Uganda,” he said.

He also said as Deputy Minister of Sports in charge of all national programs and associations, he looks forward to continue the partnership with the cricket association. He also advised the players to see themselves as brothers to build good team spirit for victory in Uganda.

“You are going as ambassadors and you need to work very hard to bring victory to the nation, which I am optimistic you will deliver,” he said.

As AML welcomes 175 international marathon runners to Salone… Runners from around the world set to arrive tomorrow for the Sierra Leone Marathon

Editor — Wed, 22 May 2013 12:03:04 +0000

175 runners from 12 countries around the world are arriving at Lungi airport in the next few days to participate in the second annual Sierra Leone Marathon.

The runners, many of whom have flown to Sierra Leone with the event’s Official Airline, Gambia Bird, are coming from countries as far afield as Sweden, the UK, New Zealand, French Guyana, Germany, Liberia and Guinea. All of them have been busy raising funds on behalf of Street Child, who support projects working with out-of-school children throughout the country, many of whom are living full-time on the streets.

The event is being sponsored by African Minerals Limited, Sierra Leone’s biggest company, and will be held in Makeni on 26^th May. Tomorrow’s travellers will join hundreds of Sierra Leoneans and foreign nationals to compete in the country’s only official marathon. Last year’s race raised more than £320,000 all of which was spent supporting Street Child’s work with some of the country’s most vulnerable children.

As well as African Minerals, the marathon has enjoyed support from Gambia Bird, the Gateway to West Africa, and the event’s Official Telecoms Provider, Africell, and many of the country’s biggest companies.

“We’re very grateful for the support that we’ve received so far, particularly from our lead sponsor African Minerals,” said Race Director Lewis Aldridge. “The event is shaping up to be huge this year and we hope that the money our runners raise will be a real boost for the incredible work that Street Child is doing in Sierra Leone.”

The Sierra Leone Marathon returns to Makeni on 26^th May 2013; details on the event and how to participate can be found at: www.SierraLeoneMarathon.com.

Manchester United legend Quinton Fortune visits Sierra Leone

Editor — Wed, 22 May 2013 11:43:01 +0000

On 15 May 2013, DHL’s valued customers were fortunate enough to spend an evening with legendary Manchester United former striker, Quinton Fortune. This was made possible by DHL who are the official logistics partner for Manchester United, the number one football club in the world.

VIP guests attended the event at the Bintumani Hotel and had the opportunity to meet Quinton Fortune who was on hand to sign autographs and memorabilia and to discuss what has made the team a success. This is evident with its 659 million supporters worldwide of which 173 million are in Africa and the Middle East alone.

Basil Akinbinu, Country Manager for DHL Express Sierra Leone comments: “Quinton Fortune’s visit to Sierra Leone provides us with a unique opportunity to showcase DHL’s involvement with Manchester United to our key customers and staff locally. It was a fantastic opportunity for people to meet Fortune, and discuss the club’s popularity and success within Africa and globally. The passion and fervor of united fans is famous around the world, Sierra Leone is no different.”

Deputy Minister of Sports Unveils Leone Stars Head Coach

Editor — Wed, 22 May 2013 10:06:13 +0000

Deputy Minister of Sports Ishmael Al- Sankoh unveiling the coach

The Deputy Minister of Sports, Ishmael Al- Sankoh Conteh, yesterday officially unveiled the head coach of Sierra Leone’s senior national football team Leone Stars at the Atlantic Hall, National Stadium, Freetown. The new coach is Jonathan Mackerytin.

“Today marks another important day within the football family as we unveil the new head coach for Leone Stars. With his rich cv we are confident he will take our national team to the next level we all desire. I encourage us all to give Jonathan Mackerytin our fullest support,” said Conteh while unveiling the new coach.

Minister of Sports, Paul Kamara, said government will always ensure that they provide the necessary support for the development of sports in the country.

He said President Koroma is very much determined to promoting and develop the talent of young people.

John Keister, Assistant Head, and Head Coach Jonathan Mackerytin

According to the Secretary General of the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA), Abdul Raham Swaray, it’s a new challenge for the entire technical team and they have a great task as the entire nation look forward to glories.

He said the Football Association and the Ministry of Sports are working very hard to mobilize resources in order to get all the necessary things required for the national team.

Under-19 National Cricket Team Off To Uganda May 25

Editor — Tue, 21 May 2013 11:43:24 +0000

Sierra Leone’s Under-19 Cricket Team leaves the shores of Sierra Leone on Saturday May 25, 2013, to participate in this year’s ICC AFMCA U-19 Division 1 Cricket World Cup Qualifying tournament sponsored by Pepsi.

The tournament starts on the 25^th May and ends on 2^nd July 2013.

On arrival in Kampala, Sierra Leone’s Under-19 Cricket Team will play their Kenyan counterparts. The Sierra Leone team will later clash with the Nigeria Under-17 squad before engaging the team from Botswana; in what is known as Pool B.

President of Sierra Leone Cricket Association (SLCA), Mr. Beresford Bournes-Coker, told AYV Newspaper at his Bathurst Street office in Freetown, earlier today, that the delegation leaving for Uganda includes fourteen players, one Coach and one Team Manager.

However, the players are calling on the government to facilitate their departure and participation in the tournament by providing them with the necessary funds and logistics; adding that over the years it is sad to note that they have not been receiving the necessary attention they deserve from particularly the government, even though they have won many laurels for Sierra Leone.

According to President of SLCA, Mr. Bournes-Coker, the game of Cricket has not been receiving the attention it deserves from the government, like the attention given to football and other sporting disciplines. He added that the game of Cricket is gaining momentum in the country as many children and youths are now showing interest in the game. He maintained that one of the main reasons why Cricket should be given all the support it needs by the government is because not once have Cricket players caused embarrassment for Sierra Leone because whenever the team goes to play abroad, they not only come back with laurels, but comport themselves so well whether they win or not, to the extent they have been described as ambassadors for Sierra Leone. He used the opportunity to call on the government to massively support the game of Cricket. He added that one of the ways the SLCA has been spreading knowledge about the game of Cricket is through exercise books they give free of charge to school children. The exercise books he went on carry drawings and simple explanations about how to play Cricket.

MP promotes unity football gala in Constituency 112

Editor — Tue, 21 May 2013 11:32:25 +0000

By Sulaiman Bah

The Member of Parliament for Constituency 112, Hon. Sheku Sannoh, is promoting a football gala in his constituency to unite his representatives.

Hon. Sannoh said he is undertaking the initiative because he wants to build a football team to represent his constituency in any football gala held at the Lumley community.

The gala which is held at the MAFA field Regent Road started on the 12^th and will end on the 2^nd June 2013 with Le1,500,000 for the winner, Le1 million for the second prize and Le500,000 for the third prize.

“There will be prizes for the best player, highest goal scorer, best goal keeper and mores,” he disclosed, adding that all the communities in the constituency are taking part in the gala.

Hon Sannoh also said together with his counselors, they have undertaken different development projects in the constituency, adding that with their continued support, they will successfully implement more development projects in the constituency.

Deputy Minister of Sports honor as Taekwondo black belter

Editor — Mon, 20 May 2013 10:01:24 +0000

The Sierra Leone Taekwondo Association has honoured the Deputy Minister of Sports, Ishmael Al-Sankoh Conteh, with the Black Belter Title, for his contribution to the development of the discipline.

The President of the Sierra Leone Taekwondo Association, Ohness Johnson, said Al-Sankoh has been instrumental and supportive in the development of the sport in the country.

He said the association was pleased to honour him as Black Belter and that he hoped the Deputy Minister will continue to work with them to further develop the discipline throughout the country.

The Deputy Minister while thanking the association said “I am very grateful for the recognition and honour.” He then promised the association his support for the development of Taekwondo nationwide.

Deputy Minister of Sports honor as Taekwondo black belter

Editor — Fri, 17 May 2013 12:36:48 +0000

The Sierra Leone Taekwondo Association has honoured the Deputy Minister of Sports, Ishmael Al-Sankoh Conteh, with the Black Belter Title, for his contribution to the development of the discipline.

The President of the Sierra Leone Taekwondo Association, Ohness Johnson, said Al-Sankoh has been instrumental and supportive in the development of the sport in the country.

He said the association was pleased to honour him as Black Belter and that he hoped the Deputy Minister will continue to work with them to further develop the discipline throughout the country.

Alusine Baggio Kamara assures fans of success ….says he is not here to be a failure

Editor — Fri, 17 May 2013 12:31:45 +0000

Sierra Leonean born international footballer, Alusine Baggio Kamara, who plays his professional football in Sweden for Syrinska FC in the top Swedish league, has promised success for his team.

“This is almost an entirely new team, the boss has made lots of changes by bringing in new players and I am optimistic of success,” he revealed, adding that he has been in the side line for a long time due to injury but he’s back in action and now scoring for his club.

Speaking to AYV sports from Sweden after their 3-1win over IFK Norrikoping in the Swedish League Competition, Kamara said he was happy for being back in action and that scoring goals for his club is a good start for him, considering his long absence.

“You have to adapt to the physical side of the Swedish League, but I like that. It was not difficult for me, even though I was returning back from injury,” he said, stating it wasn’t a disadvantage.

“Football is played with the ball and isn’t dependent on your height or strength,” he said confidently, also adding “We have also been able to put together a very good squad.”