The Sierra Leone Basketball Association, on Sunday ended two days inter-regional basketball competition in Kenema city on the theme: ‘Say no to drugs in Sierra Leone’. The competition, which started on Saturday 16th December 2023 ended on Sunday 17th December 2023 at the Kenema Sport Club. The competition attracted several people from all over the country, including representatives from the Ministry of Sports. All the four regions were represented. The Northern Region, Southern Region, Eastern Region and the Western Region presented various teams.
Speaking to this medium, the President of the Sierra Leone Basketball Association, Ali Hajazi, said that he is overwhelmingly happy to be able to organize this very important competition, adding that for a long time now the game has not been taking place. He furthered that the competition was designed to enable members of the Association to join hands in the fight against the use of drugs in the country. He maintained that they are doing all they can to get the youths off the streets and stop the abuse of drugs.
He continues that prior to the war, basketball was doing well, but this was affected by the war that brought everything to a standstill. He disclosed that in 2000, he came in to the game and was able to bring George Weah, the former Liberian President, to Sierra Leone, and was later able to take the team to Liberia. He noted that since then, the team has been doing well until the Coronavirus outbreak gave it blow, and all sports activities ceased.
Speaking of the challenges, the President said that lack of funding from government is another challenge that is affecting the game, adding that the previous Executive was unable to run the affairs of the game.
He went on that for basketball to play well people all over the country have to be involved.
Ali Hajazi assured that they have to push the game for the sponsors to continue to support them and enhance the capacity of the players for the betterment of the country.
He called on the Ministry of Sports and the government to ensure that basketball is introduced in schools, so that children will develop interest in the game, stressing that football is not the only sport that needs support from government.
He expressed happiness with the performance of the players from the different clubs, as they were very committed to win the competition. He also promised to organize a female competition in the country, which will take place all over the country, noting that such a venture will take time.
Ali Hijazi said that this initiative is tap into the existing talent of children in their respective communities, but will also serve as a powerful platform to amplify a crucial societal message —”SAY NO TO DRUGS”— echoing the resounding cry of every conscientious Sierra Leonean.
By intertwining the passion for basketball with a social cause, Mr. Ali Hijazi ingeniously harnesses the influential platform of the sport to address Sierra Leone’s pressing social challenge of drug abuse. He firmly believes that the “SAY NO TO DRUGS” theme should transcend the boundaries of the basketball court, resonating with the youths and instilling values that extend far beyond the confines of the game. With his visionary approach, Mr. Hijazi seeks to create a positive impact on society and cultivate a generation that rejects drugs, making a lasting contribution to the well-being of Sierra Leone.
What sets Mr. Hijazi apart, goes beyond his strategic acumen in steering the Sierra Leone Basketball Association; it is his profound understanding of the transformative potential that sports, especially basketball, holds for the nation’s youths.
Under the leadership of Mr. Ali Hijazi, the basketball sector is experiencing a renaissance, unparalleled to any other. His unwavering determination and innovative vision for the sport positions him as a beacon of hope for the youths of Sierra Leone. Through his commitment to fostering a drug-free environment and empowering young people through sport, Mr. Hijazi exemplifies leadership that extends far beyond the responsibilities of a Federation President.
He thanked all the sponsors for having trust in him and supporting the competition with all their energy, resources, adding that this means a lot for the country and the future generations. The sponsors included SK Diamond, Barrie Foundation, Protect, Rodyna Pharmacy, Sullay Tank Agrimony, Makaiza and many more sponsors, which the Federation appreciate.
The inter regional Basketball competition was won by Western Region Basketball Team, the runner up was Eastern Region Basketball Team, which is the host, and the third place was taken by the Northern Region Basketball Team from Makeni.