17/04/2026
NOC/CGA-SLE President Hails Wrestlers
Prince Sualley, President of the National Olympic Committee/Commonwealth Games Association of Sierra Leone (NOC/CGA-SLE), has praised the young wrestlers for their outstanding performance at the recently concluded West African Wrestling Championships.
The Sierra Leone Wrestling Association (SLWA) on Thursday formally presented the national U-17 team to the NOC/CGA-SLE boss and Executive, following their outstanding performance at the 2026 West African Wrestling Championships in Bissau
Sualley who also serves as President of the Wrestling Association said their outstanding display is a product of strategic investment through the Development of National Sport Structures (DNSS) initiative.
He commended the Association leadership for its transparent and inclusive approach to talent identification. He emphasised the importance of scouting athletes beyond Freetown, noting that the success of wrestlers from Makeni and Kenema sends a strong message about the potential in regional communities.
“I am particularly encouraged that these athletes are coming from outside Freetown. This demonstrates that talent exists across the country, and we must continue to open up opportunities nationwide,” Sualley said.
He also singled out Fatmata Binta Bah for her determination and intelligence, assuring the athletes of continued support and guidance from the NOC.
The President urged the young wrestlers to remain disciplined and committed, stressing that their achievements could open doors to greater opportunities in the future.
SLWA Secretary General Bai Bangura revealed that the team’s participation was initiated through a request from Olympic Solidarity earlier this year, prompting swift preparations for the championship.
He noted that the DNSS programme played a key role in identifying emerging talent, particularly the two female wrestlers who have been in the sport for only two months.
“Isata Sow was scouted in Makeni and Fatmata Binta Bah in Kenema during the DNSS programme. On the advice of international expert Charles Villet, we kept a close eye on them, while Alimamy Kamara has been developing over the past three to four years,” Bangura explained.