By Bockarie Allieu
FREETOWN, Mar. 04 (SALONE TIMES) – The 7th General Assembly for the Organization of Military Sports In Africa (OSMA) this year takes place in Sierra Leone. The event started on the 19th February 2022 with the arrival of guests and will end on the 27th February 2022. The opening ceremony took place on Monday 21st February 2022 at the International Conference Centre, Bitumani, Aberdeen, in Freetown, Sierra Leone. The occasion was graced by the President of OSMA, CISM President, Sectary General of CISM Secretary General of OSMA, Treasurer General of OSMA, several top Military officials in the OSMA executive from various Africa countries, Sports Minister, The Asst. Defense Minister, Minister of Labor, Heads of various Sporting disciplines in Sierra Leone and members of the Sierra Leone Armed Forces. A press conference was held at the presidential hall of the conference Centre to brief the media immediately after the opening ceremony. At the press conference the President of OSMA Major General Maikono Abdullahi told the press that the above organization was formed to maintain peace and build up friendship through sports. Sports he said is the catholic of bringing brotherhood and fraternity among each and others. He went on that the above organization was formed in Guinea Conakry in March 1994. He confirmed to the media that OSMA is affiliated to the World Military Organization. Major General Abdullahi went on that OSMA have 5 liaison offices in Africa, the West, East, North, South and the Central with the headquarters of OSMA in Yaoundé Cameroon. He confirmed to the media that the Military Football Championship sponsored by President Rtd. Brigadier General Julius Maada Bio will be hosted in Sierra Leone next year 2023. In hosting the championship he said the host country will be responsible for feeding and the accommodation while the participating countries will responsible for their return air tickets. He reaffirmed that only paid up members will take part in the various sports and to vote or to be voted for position. At the end of the competition he said they will give out medals and trophies to the teams and the players who deserve them but there will be no cash prize for the winners. The Asst. Chief of Defense Staff Brigadier Marah assured the media that Sierra Leone was prepared not only to host the football but to also win the champion trophy.
