NYC to promote football and peace in Sierra Leone
As the International Peace Day was celebrated on Saturday, 21st September 2013, an umbrella organization, National Youth Coalition, has expressed interest in promoting football, peace and non-violence nationwide.
The Coalition made the commitment during a press briefing held at Stadium Hostel in Freetown.
Welcoming participants, the Director of Programmes and Planning, who also doubled as the Chairman of the occasion, Mr. Ibrahim Turay, stated that the meeting was called specifically to discuss issues that have to do with the celebration of the International Day of Peace.
He explained that they have dedicated this celebration to young people and football lovers to explain to them the importance of the International Day of Peace and the necessity of having a peaceful society. He stressed that it is important to engage young people in meaningful activities as they make over 60% of the country’s existing population
In his statement, a member of the board of NYC and Director Zion Base Youth Centre, Mr. Alphonzo Manley, narrated that the NYC is a network of various organizations nationwide. He described the programme as important and timely. He said the celebration came about in the wake of a declaration made by the United Nations General Assembly that September 21 is the annual day of non-violence and a day of cease fire after a unanimous vote adopted Resolution 55/ 282.
Mr. Manley further stated that NYC focuses on football for the fact that it is the most popular sport in Sierra Leone and the world at large. He appealed to the Ministry of Sports, young people and aggrieved parties of the Sierra Leone Football Association to work as a family for the progress of football in the country. ‘’ We can only develop our national team if local football is allowed to play,’’ he observed, stressing that the game of football does not only serve as a sport but also as a career development and a means of creating jobs.
In his comments, Africa Young Voices Radio Sports Analyst, Mr. Madieu Kabba, commended NYC for their mentality to talk and bring aggrieved parties of the Sierra Leone Football Association together.
He emphasized that football is playing a very crucial role in promoting developmental strides in the country, adding that it is only this upcoming league that will take the country to another level in terms of football in Africa.
In his remarks, the National Secretary General of NYC, Mr. Tamba Deen Kamara, said they Fourah Bay community has been one of the areas where a lot of efforts has been made by many individuals and organisations to bring together the warring factions of that community together for peaceful coexistence.
He said it was a pity that Fourah Bay has been classed as a place that is very prone to violence. He confirmed that they were trying their best to see how they can salvage the situation and change the mindsets of the people of that community.
By Abdulai Mento Kamara
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