By Kadiatu Sankoh
Freetown, Sierra Leone — A major highlight of the inaugural National Canoe Championship was the official presentation of cash prizes to winning teams, recognizing their outstanding performances and commitment to the development of water sports in Sierra Leone.
The championship, organized by the Sierra Leone Canoe Federation (SLCF), brought together talented athletes from coastal communities across the country and culminated in a grand finale held in Freetown. The event marked a significant step in promoting canoeing and nurturing sporting talent nationwide.
Bonthe District emerged as the overall winner of the competition, securing the top prize of NLe 40,000. Mama Beach claimed second place with NLe 25,000, while Black Johnson finished third, earning NLe 15,000.
The official handing over of the cash prizes was conducted by Emmanuel Saffa Abdulai, Executive Director of the National Sports Authority (NSA), at the Authority’s New Signal Headquarters in Freetown. The ceremony symbolized not only recognition of excellence but also encouragement for continued participation in sports at the community level.
In his remarks, Dr. Abdulai emphasized the critical role of sports in youth empowerment, particularly within coastal communities. He highlighted the importance of maintaining professionalism and fairness in future competitions to ensure sustainable growth in the sector.
The championship, held on April 27, 2026, at Lumley Beach during the Independence celebrations, featured participants from 16 coastal communities, competing in various categories including single canoe, two-person canoe, five-person canoe, and the 10-person dragon canoe race.
Officials of the Sierra Leone Canoe Federation expressed satisfaction with the success of the maiden event and reaffirmed their commitment to expanding opportunities for young athletes across the country.
The prize presentation ceremony served as a fitting conclusion to a landmark sporting event, reinforcing the growing importance of water sports in Sierra Leone and inspiring a new generation of athletes to aim for national and international excellence