President Ernest Bai Koroma, last Friday donated Five Million Leones to the Retired National Football Heroes at State House; as part of his own contribution for the development of football in the Country.
He mentioned that it is now left with other Government Officials to give their own contribution to the Heros for the scafrice they have made for this nation over the past years.
The President also promised to give the Heroes financial reward every quarter in subsequent years.
The Chairman of the Retired National Football Heroes, Umaru Deen Sesay pointed out that the donation and the promise made has given them a new lease of life and the hope for a new tomorrow.
He said that President Koroma have reminded them as Sierra Leoneans, to ask not what our Country will do for us ,but what we can do for our Country.
He noted that the heroes present represent a people who spent their youthful life in the quest for honour and glory for this Country and who have kept the flag flying high wherever they went.
He stressed that members of the Association are not a spent force; as they believe they can still be useful in the development of sports.
The Chairman further averred that the appointment of one of their colleagues Bai Kabia to serve as the New Director of Sports is a clear indication that the Government recognizes the role played by the Heroes in promoting sports in the Country.
“Like want our gallant soldiers who captured Mayhoung and who are recognized each year, we believe that a little recognition of our effort over the years would go a long way” he said.
He also stated that their services was without pension and that a good number of them are languishing with no jobs and some times cannot even enter the National Stadium to watch a football match, without being molested. We cannot even secure scholarship to educate our children; however, we have not given up, he disclosed.
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