March 16, 2016 By Sahr Morris Jnr.
A total of 31 Sierra Leoneans last Saturday qualified for the maiden edition of ‘Sierra Leone strongest man’ competition scheduled to be staged on 29 April at the National Stadium in Freetown.
The participants booked their place in the finals after Saturday’s audition which attracted 171 contestants at the Hasting airfield compound.
After medical checkup, the participants were tested in few of the 10 events (caterpillar tyre rolling, five bags of rice carrying, land cruiser pulling, 100 meters 50x2kg down bell, range rover sports tug of peace, etc.) that they will have to compete in the 29 April competition.
Tournament pioneer and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of ‘Salone Got Talent’, Ibrahim Wurie Bah, said he was pleased with the outcome of the audition, adding that the decision to organise the forthcoming competition was to give opportunities to neglected talents in the country.
He appealed to the athletes to embrace this chance and not only grab the Le100 million cash prize but to also have the opportunity to represent Sierra Leone in the international stage.
He said: “Let me appeal to the athletes to make good use of this opportunity and hope the best athletes win. I want to see our athletes perform well in international competitions, which is what ‘SALONE GOT TALENT’ stands for. I will do all my best to see this dream come true.”
Deputy Sports Minister, Al-Sankoh Conteh, who also witnessed the tryout, expressed thanks to Ibrahim Wurie Bah, the athletes, coaches, media and fans for gracing the audition.
He said his ministry was fully behind the ‘SALONE GOT TALENT’ event to be a success. “This idea to come up with Salone strongest man competition and the cash prize for the winner is a good one and we will ensure it becomes successful. This is the first time for such an event in Sierra Leone, that is why as a ministry we will not treat it with levity,” he said.