By Perry B. Zordyu
Sierra Leone – A five-member high-level delegation from the Liberia Kickball Federation (LKF) has arrived in Freetown for a week-long tour aimed at establishing and promoting kickball in Sierra Leone and strengthening regional sports cooperation.
Led by LKF President Emmanuel Surprise Whea, the delegation includes: Abu G. Fofana, Secretary General, Lamin K. Kamara, Chairman of Ethics, Tonia Fanbulleh, Member and Alfred Berry, Member
Upon arrival, the Liberian team was warmly received by Dr. Emmanuel Saffa Abdulai, Executive Director of Sierra Leone’s National Sports Authority (NSA), along with his team.
During a welcome ceremony, NSA Director Steven Keifala spoke on the growing opportunity for cross-border collaboration, emphasizing the potential of kickball to become a major sport in Sierra Leone. LKF President Whea expressed optimism about the partnership, stating:
“We are in Freetown to establish a strategic alliance with the NSA for the development and promotion of kickball. Our long-term goal is to elevate the sport to be featured in future Mano River Union Games.”
He further highlighted Liberia’s success in nurturing kickball talent and believes Sierra Leone has the potential to excel in the sport as well.
Responding to the initiative, Dr. Abdulai welcomed the proposal, describing it as a timely and promising collaboration:
“This partnership reveals a hidden dream — one that will showcase the skills of our women and girls. We are ready to support this initiative fully and will soon establish Sierra Leone’s first-ever national kickball team.”
He affirmed the NSA’s commitment to legally recognized sports federations and pledged ongoing cooperation with Liberia to expand kickball across the region.
Dr. Abdulai also encouraged the Liberia Kickball Federation to participate in the Africa Traditional Games initiative, which aims to preserve and promote indigenous African sports and games.
He noted the initiative’s potential to boost cultural identity, tourism, and economic development through the integration of traditional games into mainstream sports programming.
The LKF delegation is continuing its mission with meetings involving key stakeholders to foster lasting regional collaboration through sport.
