NSA Executive Director Applauds Sa. Leone’s Swimming Association and Athletes
The Executive Director of the National Sports Authority (NSA), Esq. Mohamed Alphaka Conteh, has commended the President of the Sierra Leone Swimming, Water Polo and Diving Association, Mohamed Turay, for providing strong leadership and putting the Association on a sound footing.
Speaking upon his return from the 2026 Glasgow Commonwealth Games, the NSA Executive Director praised the Association’s coaches and technical team for their preparation, which he said contributed significantly to the impressive performance of Sierra Leone’s swimmers.
He noted that other national sports associations could emulate the structure and approach of the Swimming Association, stressing that such a model could change Sierra Leone’s approach to international competitions—from merely participating to genuinely competing.
Mr. Conteh particularly highlighted the outstanding performance of female swimmer Helle Harris, whose time of 29.07 seconds in the women’s 50m backstroke set a new national record and qualified her for the semi-finals. She ranked 12th among the 16 semi-finalists and 12th overall among 40 competitors in the event.
Harris competed in Semi-final Heat 1 of 2, Lane 7, at the Tollcross International Swimming Centre, alongside swimmers from Australia, New Zealand, Wales, Bermuda and Northern Ireland.
The NSA Executive Director described the achievement as historic, noting that Harris and the Sierra Leone swimming team have reached the furthest stage by Sierra Leonean swimmers at the Commonwealth Games.
He also extended special commendation to Head Coach Gibrilla Kanu, his technical team and all those who contributed to the swimmers’ preparation.
The NSA boss further thanked all five Sierra Leonean sports associations that participated in the Games—Swimming, Boxing, Skate Cycling, Athletics and Judo—for their efforts.
He assured the sporting public that the NSA will strengthen its selection and preparation processes. He added that participating associations will be encouraged to conduct proper national trials rather than relying solely on handpicked athletes, while greater emphasis will also be placed on building the capacity of coaches and technical personnel.
