July 18, 2016 By Sahr Morris Jr.
With barley two weeks to the commencement of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, President of the National Olympic Committee of Sierra Leone (NOC-SL), Dr. Patrick Coker, is still hopeful that more Sierra Leonean athletes will participate in the Games.
Already, four athletes -Ishamail D. M. Kamara, Hafsatu Kamara (sprinters), swimmers Bunturabie Jalloh and Osman Kamara – have been confirmed as competitors for Team Sierra Leone at the Games.
But according to the NOC-SL president, they are still expecting a favourable decision on the ‘Wild Card’ applications for wrestlers, boxers and weightlifters.
The NOC-SL boss made this disclosure last week while presenting the Games’ accreditation and giving update on the country’s preparation for the Games to Minister of Sports, Ahmed Khanou, at the latter’s Bishop House office at the National Stadium in Freetown.
“Accreditation process is almost complete and so far four athletes, two from swimming and two from athletics have recorded the Olympic qualification standard.
“We are also expecting favourable decisions on the wild card applications for wrestling, boxing and weightlifting. Also late athletics qualifications are underway with some Sierra Leonean athletes residing in USA still in the race,” the NOC-SL boss said, adding that the final delegation for Sierra Leone will only be known by July 25.
The accreditation will also serve as a visa to Brazil for all delegates and participants.
The Sports Minister, who was pleased with the development, said government would support the venture for the games as he assured the NOC-SL that he would apply for executive clearance to get the funds ready in time before the delegation departs for the games.