Sierra Stars Rock New Year’s Eve in Dallas
Dazzling fireworks lit up the skies in Dallas as Sierra Stars held a rare, countdown to the New Year, and players, team management and supporters of the darling Stars danced their hearts out with hopes and dreams as the world ushered in 2011. (Photo: Sierra Stars Patrick Dangawalli giving his end of year speech)
2010 was a grim year for many Sierra Leoneans and the world at large. Many lost their loved ones and others found themselves in deep financial trouble as well. Still, many don’t know what the future holds for them. Yet, they waited with a mixture of excitement and patience to see the old year fade away.
Distinguished guests
In a jammed packed dance hall, reminiscent of a carnival jamboree at the United Banquet Hall in Dallas, the club proved without any iota of doubt, that it is one of the best organizations in the metroplex-well known for cutting across tribal and political lines that sometimes rob the community of the full package of blessings that working together and loving each other comes with. On a night like this, Sierra Stars did an awesome job in embracing hundreds of people, the old and young, white, black, and brown from different cultural and political backgrounds, who felt that the club truly represents a melting pot for Sierra Leoneans in the Diaspora.
Patrick & Therisa marriage proposal
The highlight of the dance was a surprise but a romantic one that iced the cake. I mean one that every woman dreams of and would love to have – marriage proposals. In the most romantic, one-of-a-kind way, Mr. Dangawallie popped out not a question but a wish. To match the way he feels about making this commitment to the most wonderful and beautiful woman in the world. Mr. Patrick Dangawalli, President of Sierra Stars, proposed to his beautiful soul mate, Therisa Bome while giving his speech. He did this with the seven most powerful words, “I wish my girlfriend will marry me.” What makes it even spicier and memorable, as love gurus will tell you is that Patrick did it in the most appropriate place that has special meaning to both of them – at a soccer dance on New Year’s Eve. How can she ever forget this display of public affection from a gentleman that has strived in no small way to live a selfless life in the community?
Before the award ceremony, Patrick Dangawalli gave a brief objective of the club which he said is a nonprofit community soccer club championing the cause of youth recreation. He also reiterated the goal for the formation of a strong professional soccer club the community will be proud to call its own. Our organization, he added, “is geared towards fostering excellent relationships among Sierra Leoneans.”
He concluded by informing all about his current plans in securing funds that will make it possible for the team to travel with about twenty-four soccer players so that they can participate in the forth-coming 50th Independence anniversary in Sierra Leone. According to Mr. Dangawalli, the government of Sierra Leone has already invited Sierra Stars to participate in the celebration.
Several awards were dished out to different personalities in the community. One of such was given to Dr. Alie Patrick Koroma in recognition of his exceptional academic accomplishments and excellent participation in the affairs of Sierra Stars Soccer Association (SSSA). Mr. Donald Kopoi also received an award in appreciation of his academic excellence, prolific goal scoring record, and for his overall participation in the club, (SSSA).
Sanpha Sesay, Community Service Award recipient
The final award of the night went to one of the most unassuming Sierra Leonean in the Dallas Fort worth community, Mr. Sanpha Sesay. He bagged the Community Service Award for his relentless and outstanding services as the Public Relations Officer in the club and the Dallas Fort Worth community. For Mr. Sesay and many of us, who understand the role he plays in the community, the award could not have come in at any other better time than this. Thank you Sierra Stars for honoring this humble servant of the people.
Distinguished guests and patrons who graced the night with their presence or financial and moral support were: Sierra Leonean born, Deputy Mayor of Rowlett, Mr. Patrick Jackson who is also the President of the Krio Descendant Union and also a major sponsor of SSSA; Alhaji Rashid Lamin (President of West Africa Muslim Association), a newly established organization with diverse nationalities from West Africa; Mr. Sheku Tejan; Mr Erick Pratt (One time winner of SSSA Humanitarian award); Mr. Sheik Daboh (Candidate, Tegloma for president); Ms. Josephine Ladipo (VP, Tegloma, Dallas Chapter and current candidate, Tegloma Presidency); Mr. & Mrs. Solomon Pieh, Sierra Leone’s People’s Party, North America; Hope International Church and Ministries, Mr. Henry Gegbe; Inshira Mungwa; Farodous Elawad; Lucy Achan; Christine Lado and Janet Akorikin.
By Christian Foday Sesay Jr., Texas News Correspondent
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