The Minister of Sports, Madam Augusta James-Teima, has applauded the Sierra Leone Basketball Association for its continued commitment to empowering young people through structured training and development programs.
Speaking during a special engagement with participants of the National Youth Basketball Training Camp, the Minister extended warm recognition to the international facilitator, whose presence, she said, demonstrates a strong global commitment to advancing basketball in Sierra Leone.
Representing the Government of Sierra Leone, Minister James-Teima expressed profound appreciation to the association for taking bold steps to build the capacity of young athletes, noting that such initiatives play a significant role in shaping responsible and productive citizens.
She emphasized that human capital development remains a top priority for the government, and programs like this training camp are a vital component of that agenda. While the benefits may not be immediately visible to the young players, the Minister stressed that the training is intentional, meaningful, and aligned with the association’s core objectives.
Madam Augusta James-Teima highlighted the importance of youth engagement in sports, pointing out that it helps steer young people away from negative influences such as drug abuse, which continues to affect communities across the country. She encouraged the participants to see themselves as ambassadors, promising young Sierra Leoneans representing the nation positively.
The Minister of Sports further encouraged the athletes to remain focused, noting that basketball has the potential to elevate them from their local communities to national and even global platforms. “You matter greatly,” she told the youths, urging them to embrace the opportunity, learn diligently, and recognize their value in society.
She extended gratitude to the Sierra Leone Basketball Association, international partners, technical teams, coaches, and officials for their unwavering support. She also commended the association for demonstrating commendable leadership that other sports bodies can emulate.
The event concluded with a message of hope and encouragement.
