The National Olympic Committee (NOC) last Thursday at their Freetown Office welcomed the Singapore delegation home after a successful participation in the first youth Olympic championship.
The President of the NOC Henry G Moore who chaired the programme said that he was happy that the 6 man delegation who represented the country in Singapore has returned home.
He also said that the three athletes represented the country very well and hoped they can be able to represent the country in other international competitions, noting however that they need to train harder to live up to the standard expected of them.
The Head of delegation and Chief of Mission Victor Hasting-Spaine reported that when they arrived in Singapore they were warmly welcomed and were taken to the Olympic Village to join their counterparts from other countries.
He also mentioned that out of the three athletes, Kadiatu Conteh emerged as the best among them since she performed well among the athletes from other countries. Jimmy Thoronka the male athlete was disqualified for improper conduct during the 400 meters, and was ranked fourth position.
Victor also mentioned that all the athletes in the competition were given a chance to run in the finals. During the finals participants were placed in different categories with two other Sierra Leonean athletes, Nenneh and Kadiatu, who were in group C. They were ranked third position in their respective groups.
Hastings-Spaine further disclosed that several groups donated items to NOC, including frames, books, and a number of other things. One among those who made the donations was the Duuman High School. Executive members and the other two officials who accompanied the team also made their own contributions.
One of the athletes, Nenneh Barrie, disclosed to Awoko Sports that she was excited over the opportunity given to them to represent the country-a reason why they were determined to perform their best in the competition. She said that the kind of exposure granted them as a result of the competition has given them the courage to train harder so as to have more chances again to represent the country in future international competitions.