The Sierra Leone Handball Association (SLHA) President Dr. Patrick Coker, Vice President Osaio Kamara and some executive members of the Assoc. met with the new Director of Sports Bai Kabia last Wednesday afternoon at his Bishop House office at the National Stadium in Freetown.
The President of the Handball Association Dr Patrick Coker congratulated the new Director and briefed him about the activities of the S.L. Handball Assoc. over the past years. – Like many other sporting associations, the SLHA has only received very little financial support from government during the past couple of years.
The Association however has been able to take handball to the provinces and organized national competitions in Bo and Makeni in 2004 and 2006 respectively, as well as yearly competitions in the Western Area.
It has not been possible for SLHA to participate in any regional or sub-regional competitions because of lack of funds.
The purpose of the visit was also to inform the new director of the invitation received by the S.L. Handball Assoc. to participate in the ECOWAS Commonwealth Handball Championship in Kaduna – Nigeria now scheduled for the 4th to the 11th October.
14 players and 3 officials have been invited.
Mr. Bai Kamara congratulated the SLHA for its achievements over the years and promised financial support from the Ministry for the ECOWAS Championship.
He also congratulated Dr. Patrick Coker in his capacity as President of IGLOC (International Games Local Organising Committee) for organizing Sierra Leone’s participation in the just concluded Beijing Olympic Games; and especially for having submitted a report within a week of his return.
Also present were Mr. Alphan Koker, the Dep. Director of Sports and Mr. Deen, the Accountant at the ministry.
The SLHA is desperately looking for support, funds, sponsorship to be able to successfully take part in the ECOWAS Tournament. Major expenses still pending include uniforms, playing gears and one week camping before takeoff.
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