By Fatima Kpaka
Sierra Leone — President Dr. Julius Maada Bio has honoured Sierra Leone’s national athletes across 13 sporting disciplines for their outstanding international performances, while officially launching the FIFA-supported “Football for Schools” initiative aimed at nurturing young football talent nationwide.
The ceremony, held at State House on Tuesday, October 29, 2025, celebrated athletes from karate, scrabble, gymnastics, volleyball, cricket, basketball, boxing, cycling, athletics, and women’s football, among others. President Bio presented medals and trophies to the athletes, commending them for proudly representing Sierra Leone’s green, white, and blue on the global stage.
“We are here today to acknowledge and compliment you for the great job you have done for our beloved nation,” President Bio said, describing the athletes as national heroes and reaffirming his commitment to developing all sports across the country.
Spotlight on Women’s Sports
The President gave special recognition to the Sierra Queens and the Under-17 Female Football Team, celebrating their recent triumph as WAFU A Champions. He emphasized that his administration’s support for women’s empowerment in sports is both intentional and results-driven.
“I am proud of you, and I want you to also feel proud of yourselves,” he told the female athletes, while calling on the private sector to continue investing in sports development.
Sports as a Unifying Force
President Bio highlighted the power of sports to unite the nation, stating that victories on the field transcend political divides and foster national pride.
“Your victories mean a lot to me. You are our national heroes. We are a resilient people with many talents,” he added.
Football for Schools: A Vision for Youth Development
The President officially launched the “Football for Schools” project, a collaboration with FIFA designed to integrate football into school curricula and equip young people with the skills and tools needed to become future football stars.
Minister of Sports, Madam Augusta James-Teima, hailed the event as historic, thanking President Bio for his consistent leadership and support for the sporting community.
Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) President Babadi Kamara also praised the female teams for their exceptional performances and reaffirmed the SLFA’s commitment to developing football through the new initiative in partnership with the government and private sector.
The event marked a significant milestone in Sierra Leone’s sports development agenda, blending celebration with a forward-looking strategy to empower youth and elevate the nation’s presence in international sports.