Freetown, SIERRA LEONE – Emmanuel Saffa Abdulai, Executive Director of the National Sports Authority (NSA), outlined his vision to address national challenges through collaborative efforts beyond football during a recent gathering.
Expressing his commitment to broadening the NSA’s scope, Abdulai emphasized the need for collective action to tackle the country’s pressing issues, recognizing that football alone cannot absorb all available funds or support. He underscored the importance of integrating sports into educational institutions, envisioning a future where sports thrive in schools and colleges.
Abdulai highlighted the NSA’s agenda to enhance coaching capacity, emphasizing the need for sustainable support to sporting associations. He acknowledged the Government’s challenges in meeting the demands of various sporting bodies and emphasized the importance of prioritizing initiatives that yield long-term benefits.
Addressing concerns about high-performance standards, Abdulai stressed the importance of athletes excelling across all sports disciplines. He emphasized the dual role of sports in providing entertainment and empowerment, noting increased budget allocations for regional competitions and enhanced monitoring of sports activities.
In light of the Government’s focus on tourism development, Abdulai proposed leveraging sports as a means to bolster this commitment. He emphasized the need for prudent financial management and called for the creation of a sports fund to supplement government allocations. Abdulai urged sports associations to demonstrate commitment and professionalism in their endeavours.
Looking ahead, Dr. Abdulai expressed plans to nurture top-level athletes, fostering their growth and development. By fostering collaboration, investing in coaching capacity, and prioritizing sustainable initiatives, the NSA aims to harness the transformative power of sports for the benefit of all Sierra Leoneans. BT/24/4/2024