A significant milestone for the Sierra Leone Taekwondo family was marked on Monday as the President of the Sierra Leone Taekwondo Association (SLTA), Oness A. Johnson, and his technical team paid a special visit to the Minister of Sports, Madam Augusta James-Teima, at her office at Bishop House in Freetown.
The purpose of the visit was to introduce David Pelham, an International Taekwondo Coach from the United States, alongside U.S. Taekwondo players George Edward Holland, the Team Captain, and James Maxwell Manson. The delegation is in Sierra Leone for a working visit aimed at familiarizing themselves with the local Taekwondo community and exploring ways to enhance the sport’s development in the country.
Minister Augusta James-Teima warmly welcomed the visitors, expressing her appreciation for their efforts in bringing international expertise and experience to Sierra Leone.
She commended the delegation for their commitment to promoting Taekwondo in the country, emphasizing the importance of nurturing young talent in the sport.
“I am so happy to have you in the office. Congratulations on this remarkable initiative,” said Madam James-Teima.
“This is a bold step you have taken to come to Sierra Leone from the United States of America. What we are looking for is the best, and I am confident that this partnership will bring great results for the future of Taekwondo in Sierra Leone.”
The Minister highlighted the success of Taekwondo in Sierra Leone, noting the increasing passion for the sport. She emphasized the importance of starting early by attracting young fighters, which would ultimately strengthen the sport’s future in the country.
“Taekwondo is already doing well, and I am impressed that you are now focusing on engaging the younger generation. They will grow up with the passion, and this will ensure that we have more fighters and make the sport even more exciting,” she continued.
The Minister also expressed her support for the collaboration between Sierra Leone and the U.S. Taekwondo family, underscoring the significance of the visit. She conveyed her belief that this partnership would lead to further progress and international recognition for the sport in Sierra Leone.
“David, George, and James’ visit reflects how much you care about Sierra Leone. Every step of development begins with one bold move, and this is one giant step toward developing Taekwondo in Sierra Leone. The sport has a vital role to play in our country, and it will elevate Sierra Leone’s flag to greater heights.”
Madam Teima also pledged to inform President Julius Maada Bio about the initiative during their next meeting. She concluded by sending her gratitude to the Taekwondo family in the United States, expressing how proud the Sierra Leone government and people are of their continued collaboration. “We are proud of you all, and we look forward to seeing how this partnership flourishes,” she said.
Coach David expressed his happiness at meeting the Minister, especially as she is the first female Sports Minister in Sierra Leone. “Let’s work together in the future to develop Taekwondo in Sierra Leone,” he said.
Credit: Ministry of Sports