By Ibrahim Joenal Sesay
FREETOWN, July 22 (SALONE TIMES) – The President of Sierra Leone HE Rtd. Brigadier Julius Maada Bio in his commitment to the development of sports in Sierra Leone has approved a whooping the sum of Le 3,783,897,412 (Three Billion Seven Hundred and ninety-seven million four hundred and twelve thousand Leones) for both the Olympic and the Paralympic Games in Japan. The above amount was paid in the account of the National Sports Authority to facilitate Sierra Leone’s participation in the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Tokyo, Japan. The Olympic Games will start on the 24th July to the 9th August and the Paralympic Games from the 24th August to 6th September 2021. The amount of Le2,464,395,686 will go towards the Olympic delegation and the sum of Le1, 319,591,726 for the Paralympic Games. The above amount will cover the payment of respective allowances, accommodation, feeding, and other expenses, including return air tickets for athletes, and officials of both the Olympic and the Paralympic Games.
Whilst approving the above amount, President Bio wished both teams best of luck in both Games. The Ministry of Finance assured the nation to have no fear as they will give the fullest support and committed to give to provide finance for the development of prioritized sports in the country. Few weeks back when President received the invitation for the Olympic Games, he told the NOC President Dr. Patrick Coker that his busy schedule will not allow him to go but pledged his fullest support to the delegation. The budget approval was a welcome news among Sierra Leoneans who said they were with no doubt that he can do it. Very recently President Bio gave Le100M to each player and officials of the Leone Stars team that qualified Sierra Leone to the Nations Cup in Cameroon. Majority say President Bio is a man of his words as he always stands by what he says. Sporting disciplines are also calling on business houses to come on board and help the president to succeed in developing sports in the country. Meanwhile the Chef De Mission of Sierra Leone Unisa Deen Kargbo is now Japan preparing for the arrival of the delegations. The COVID Liaison Officer Prince Sualley, the Judo athlete and a coach will arrive in Japan today. The delegation will comprise the Sports Minister, Ibrahim Nyelekeh, Dr. Kenneth Brima NSA Executive Director, Fomba NSA Media, Dr. Patrick Coker, NOC President Joseph Nyande NOC Secretary General, Sahr Morris Jr. SWASAL President and Bockarie Allieu NOC Media will depart on Wednesday 21st July 2021. The last batch which involves Swimming athletes and coach, athletics athletes and coach will depart on the 24th July 2021.
