African Sports Monthly International Women's Day Special Edition | Page 16
Bangura: -
I have been an athlete in the field of Martial Arts (Karate, Judo and Taekwondo) since 1988, served as the
Secretary General of the Association from May 1994 to October 1998 until I left the shores of Sierra Leone for
the United Kingdom, during that period in I also got my certifications as a class 1 football referee, athletics
coach and official, Karate referee and judge. I have served in various continental and world federations (see
below).
I am a lawyer by profession with qualifications acquired in the United Kingdom from the University of East
London, and I have also served in the capacity as the Corporate Secretary for the Guma Valley Water
Company.
I want people to know that I am very passionate about sports because this is not just a job for me it is part of
my passion.
Below are the capacities I have served in over the years:
President of African Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Federation 2012 to Present
President Sierra Leone University Sports Federation 2013 to present
President for the Sierra Leone Association of Martial Art, which comprises of Karate, Judo,
Taekwondo, Kickboxing, Fencing, Wushu and Jiu-Jitsu 1998 -2007
Treasurer Federation of Africa University Sports (FASU) 2014-2019
Chairperson FASU Legal and Disciplinary Commission 2013- present
President Sierra Leone Weightlifting, Power lifting and Bodybuilding Federation 2007 to date
3rd Vice President African Karate Federation (UFAK) 2004 -2008
President Africa World All Styles Martial Art Confederation (WAMMCO)
ASM: - Sierra Leone as a nation has had a rather low key output in all sectors of sports disciplines nationally
and on the international stage, for almost two decades, save for a few bright spots here and there. What
would you attribute that slow growth and poor performance to?
Bangura:
We must first all appreciate those associations like volleyball, crickets, swimming and football for their
passion and determination to fly the flag of Sierra Leone despite the constraint they have faced. Yes I must
agree that we must do our utmost best to rekindle sports in the country but we also should look at the
reasons for our under performance in games and championships, these are:
Lack of support from Government and other stakeholders particularly taking sports as a none priority
area
Poor facilities and lack of equipment and incentive for athletes and officials
Natural calamities and the senseless war have also had their portion in the low key output in sports
in Sierra Leone