Prospective chairman of the Sierra Leone People’s Party in the East Rural District, Abubakarr Sidique Sankoh, aka Chairman Sidipa, has on Saturday, 14th September 2024, launched the Waterloo City Marathon at REC Primary School in Waterloo.
The Waterloo City Marathon is an idea initiated and presented by the Waterloo Athletic Camp. And it’s the first time Waterloo will host its own marathon. It’s designed to be an annual event, and will officially commence on the 3rd of November, 2024.
Giving his address, the national president of the Sierra Leone Marathon Runners, who doubles as the chairman of the occasion, Mr. Moses Kargbo, noted his excitement over the launch of the event.
He disclosed that middle and long-distance runners have been the most deprived in the country for a while now.
“In the past, only sprinters were privileged to travel out of the country to compete in international events. But we’re changing the narrative now for the good of all.”
Mr. Kargbo stated that the Waterloo City Marathon will serve the general good.
He assured that every long-distance runner under his supervision would be part of the Waterloo City Marathon.
Mr. Moses Kargbo committed himself to the event, and to creating better opportunities for long-distance runners in Waterloo and the country at large.
Mr. Abdulai Kargbo, president of Waterloo Athletic, stated parents and guardians shouldn’t frustrate children with athletic talents in their communities because of education.
He added that the education is important, but it’s more important when it’s paired with athletics.
“Most of the athletes who are today in Europe emanated from Waterloo, and they were all in school here. They had attended school while developing their athletic talents. Today, we are grateful that most of the best athletes in the country are from Waterloo.”
He applauded Sidipa’s role in empowering athletes in Waterloo.
He admonished parents and stakeholders to identify and support children with athletic skills.
Augistine Sheku Momoh (Sheku Marathon), who had spoken on behalf of the Waterloo Athletic Camp, revealed that the launching was a dream come true.
“We have run different marathons from within and without Waterloo, and it’s always been our urge to have ours. We hope that this will be supported and sustained.”
Giving the keynote address, Abubakarr Sidique Sankoh (Chairman Sidipa), thanked the organizers for creating the platform, noting his happiness to identify himself with them.
Chairman Sidipa indicated that athletic is among the many sporting disciplines he’s supported youth empowerment. He’s also a support to youth empowerment in other development sectors in the Western Area Rural District.
He highlighted the significance of sports to the social economic development of the country.
Chairman Sidipa entreated the athletes to own the marathon and put in the required hard work to get the best of it.
He intimated that the platform was created to identify and expose their talents to the world.
Being someone with the most support to the Waterloo Athletic Camp since its inception, he assured them of his continued and undying support.
He was officially honored to launch the Waterloo City Marathon as one of the primary sponsors of youth sports in the Western Area Rural District, and also an ancillary pillar to athletes in Waterloo.
