By Adama Conteh
Swahib Bangura has been elected president of the Western Area Athletics Association after securing 37 votes at an elective congress held on April 11 in Freetown.
Bangura, the immediate past acting vice president of the association, won the mandate at a gathering hosted at St. Anthony’s School on Syke Street.
In his acceptance speech, Bangura thanked delegates for their support, attributing his victory to years of service to athletics in the region.
“We have worked very hard for this region over the years, and I believe that is why the delegates have given me this mandate,” he said.
He pledged to unify stakeholders in the athletics community and prioritise development of the sport, while urging athletes to intensify preparations for upcoming regional competitions.
“We are starting preparations for the Western Region Championship. The athletes have trained and they expect a lot from me based on what we achieved last year. This time, we are going to do something bigger and better,” he said.
Bangura also committed to inclusive leadership and improved collaboration with national authorities, noting that previous challenges with the national association had been addressed with the support of the Ministry of Sports and the National Sports Authority.
“We are now looking forward to working closely with them,” he added.
Other officials elected to the new executive include Samuel Jalloh as first vice president and Sarah Kabba as second vice president. Mohamed S. Senessie was elected secretary general, with Santigie Conteh as his assistant.
Hassan Yilla and L. Smith were elected heads of marketing, while James Musa Sowa and Samuel Nyama will serve as organising secretary and assistant organising secretary respectively. Sellu Aruna was elected treasurer.
In the communications department, Abdul Rahman Bangura and Edward Chernor Musa were elected public relations officers, while Amara Taylor Kamara will serve as competition director.
Ada Lahai and Lamrana Kanyakoh were elected women’s representatives, while Osman Philip Kargbo and Ishfamaka W. Kargbo will serve as safeguarding officers.
The congress marks a new phase for athletics administration in the Western Area, with expectations of renewed unity and growth in the sport.
