By Desmond Lewis
In a powerful show of solidarity and compassion, the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) hosted a friendly football match with children living with autism and athletes with intellectual disabilities at the Benguema Military Training Barracks in Waterloo on Monday, 29 September 2025.
The groundbreaking event, organized in partnership with Special Olympics Sierra Leone (SOSL), aimed to promote inclusion, break stigma, and foster understanding through the unifying power of sports.
Opening the event, Mr. Patrick Massaquoi, Deputy National Executive Director of SOSL, emphasized the broader mission of the organization. “It’s about building a more inclusive society where persons with intellectual disabilities are seen, respected, and empowered,” he said. He highlighted how inclusive sports can open doors to education, employment, and civic participation.
The match featured equal representation from both RSLAF soldiers and SOSL athletes. Soldiers wore blue and green jerseys, while the athletes donned white and red, symbolizing unity and mutual respect. Colonel M. A. Swarray, Commander of the Armed Forces Training Center, performed the symbolic kickoff and expressed deep appreciation for SOSL’s efforts. “This match is more than football—it’s a call to action for unity and inclusion,” he stated.
match ended with a 2–1 victory for the military team, who received the winner’s trophy. Despite the scoreline, the spotlight shone on SOSL athletes Michael Kamara and Hassan Kamara, who were named Best Player and Best Goalkeeper respectively. Colonel Swarray awarded gold medals to the winners, while SOSL Health Coordinator Osman Kamara presented silver medals to the runners-up.
Commitment to Change
In his closing remarks, Colonel Swarray reaffirmed the military’s commitment to disability awareness and inclusion, noting that many service members have personal ties to individuals with intellectual disabilities. The Commanding Officer praised SOSL athletes for their courage and resilience, and welcomed the partnership as a step toward mainstreaming inclusion in military, educational, and community activities.
Voices of Hope
Sergeant Tengbeh, Senior SOSL Coach, called the match a turning point in Sierra Leone’s journey toward inclusion. “It demonstrates that sports can transcend social divisions and unite people under a shared vision—a world where everyone, regardless of ability, is valued,” he said.
Justin Kamara, National Executive Director of SOSL, hailed the growing relationship between SOSL and RSLAF as a model for other security institutions. “Inclusion is not charity—it’s justice. And on the football field, justice was beautifully played,” he concluded.
This inspiring event not only celebrated athleticism and teamwork but also set a precedent for inclusive collaboration across Sierra Leone’s institutions.