George Spilsbury-Williams has been re-elected, unopposed, as President of the Sierra Leone Swimming, Diving and Water Polo Association (SLSDWPA).
The newly re-elected SLSDWPA President was elected for a second-term at the Association’s elective congress held at the Siaka Stevens Stadium lounge in Freetown on Saturday 20 October 2017.
“It has been a remarkable Congress, our first elective congress as an Association since we lost our fallen hero, Dr. Alhaji Fadlu Deen,” said Spilsbury-Williams.
Spilsbury-Williams was the Vice-President of the Association while Dr. Fadlu Deen was President. Upon Dr. Fadlu Deen’s death two years ago, Spilsbury-Williams took over the helm of the Association to finish the four-year term of office.
“The outcome of the congress is a sign of belief the delegates have in me and the team I have been working with in the executive. I’m willing to continue working toward achieving what we haven’t achieved in the past. We shall promote our swimmers internationally and also promote the sport,” the newly re-elected President asserted.
Despite being at the helm of the sport for the past two years, Spilsbury-Williams believed there is more to offer to the sport, which is still growing.
“In my first spell as President, I started the journey of transforming swimming and we have reached somewhere; creating an environment where clubs can develop, promote and introduce local swimmers to the international level.”
For the first time in the history of the Association, a woman was elected as Vice-President. Jariatu Barrie, a renowned fan of the sport was unanimously voted by the delegates to serve as Vice-President for the next four years.
“We want more girls and women to participate in Aquatic Sports. And we will only succeed in convincing others to come on board, when most of their colleagues are placed in position of trusts,” said delegates.
Meanwhile, candidates for other executive positions went unopposed and the executive remained largely unchanged.
Two candidates; Hawa Dauda and Jida Kiss Kamara contested for the Public Relations Officer position.
Both Kamara and Dauda were endorsed by congress delegates to serve in the capacity of Public Relations Officer one and two.
Mohamed Turay, remained the Secretary General. Philip M. Bangura also retained the position of Treasurer. The Assistant Secretary General is Abdul Turay. Kadiatu Kalilu is the Women’s Representative.
One of the delegates, Facineh James Koroma of Susans Bay Swimming Club, expressed delight for a peaceful congress, saying the election was very credible and transparent with all due process duly observed in the entire process in the interest of following the correct democratic procedures using their Constitution as the official guide.
Koroma commented, “We’ve voted the new executive for continuity and rapid progress towards the development of the sports. We are still developing, and that is why we decided as a family, to vote majority of the old guards again
By Magdalene S. Konneh
Monday October 23, 2017.
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