By Sulaiman Jalloh
On Sunday, April 6, 2025, Sierra Leone’s capital pulsed with energy as the nation joined the world in celebrating the International day of sports, spotlighting physical activity as a cornerstone of health, under the theme Leveling the Playing Field promoting Physical Activity for Health, the event blended festivity with a vital message move more, live better.
The Ministry of Sports teamed up with the Ministry of Health, the World Health Organization (WHO), and other partners to orchestrate a day brimming with action. Led by Sports Minister Augusta James Teima, alongside health officials, the National Sports Authority, and the National Olympic Committee, the celebration rallied leaders from Sierra Leone’s sports federations for a united front.
Kicking off at the Youyi Building, representatives from diverse sports associations gathered before spilling into Freetown’s streets in a spirited procession. Performances dazzled onlookers, culminating at the Lumley Beach Volleyball Complex, where hands-on activities underscored the power of an active life.
Minister Teima framed the day as a wake-up call, we’re not just raising awareness we’re igniting a movement for healthier habits, she said. She championed inclusivity, insisting sports must welcome all regardless of age, gender, or ability and hailed its role in forging peace, cohesion, and thriving communities Thanking WHO and the Ministry of Health, she welcomed attendees into the sports family, urging equal support for men’s and women’s disciplines and a culture of fair play.
Dr. George Ameh, WHO Country Representative, amplified the stakes, three out of four global deaths stem from non-communicable diseases physical inactivity is a silent killer, he warned, today, we’re leveling the playing field for health, He touted activity’s benefits boosting fitness, mental clarity, and well-being for kids and teens alike and pledged WHO’s support for Sierra Leone to craft evidence-based fitness policies.
As Freetown buzzed with volleyball spikes and street cheers, the day’s deeper echo rang clear: sports can knit a nation together, From curbing disease to sparking unity, the event doubled as a rallying cry for Sierra Leoneans to lace up, step out, and prioritize their health a legacy Teima and Ameh hope will outlast the festivities.