October 11, 2016 By Sahr Morris Jr.
The Ministry of Sports (MOS) and National Sports Council (NSC) will today, 11 October take the Sierra Leone Athletics Association (SLAA) to what has been described as controversial elections.
In a press statement released last week, the MOS/NSC stated that the 11 October was the date scheduled for the congress.
The press release reads: “The Ministry of Sports / National Sports Council wishes to inform the General public that the constitutional congress of the Sierra Leone Athletics Association (SLAA) will take place on Friday 7th October 2016 at the Atlantic Hall, National Stadium at 10am.
Verified delegates of the Sierra Leone Athletics Association are requested to attend. The elective congress will be on Tuesday 11th October 2016 at the Atlantic Hall, National Stadium 11am. The five man committee and the National Sports Council will conduct the constitutional and elective congress as per article 8(1) of the National Sports Council act 1964”.
However, the Abdul Karim-led executive has vowed they will not attend the congress adding that they are recognised by the international federation, IAAF.
Meanwhile, Chris Turner, a member of IAAF Communications Department, on 17 January confirmed to Concord Sports that: “The IAAF was informed on 17 December 2015 that the Association finally held their elective congress on 15 December 2015. Mr Abdul Karim Sesay was re-elected President. They have yet to appoint a General Secretary. The IAAF is satisfied by the conduct of the elections and recognises the results.”