By Joseph S Conteh
The Sierra Leone Archery Association has taken a significant step toward developing the sport locally and regionally by successfully hosting a World Archery Level-1 Coaching Course from May 22-28, 2026, at the OlympAfrica Centre in Goderich, Freetown.
The intensive week-long training programme, conducted in partnership with World Archery and World Archery Africa, and supported by Olympic Solidarity through the National Olympic Committee of Sierra Leone (NOC-SLE), certified 25 new coaches, including 22 Sierra Leoneans and three Nigerian participants.
Operating under the theme “Developing Excellence in Archery Coaching and Athlete Development”, the course covered comprehensive coaching fundamentals, including archery techniques, mental preparation, safeguarding protocols, psychology, equipment handling, and strength development exercises.
Norman Acerbi Davies, technical director of the Sierra Leone Archery Association, praised the programme’s interactive nature, emphasising its role in establishing a foundation for future champions. “By equipping our coaches with advanced knowledge, we are laying a stronger foundation for future champions,” Davies noted.
World Archery Coach Trainer Carlos Freitas, who led the sessions, challenged participants to become multipliers of knowledge, urging them to expand the sport’s reach throughout the country. Secretary General Joses Bai Kanu described the initiative as a crucial investment in the sport’s future, both nationally and regionally, while thanking the Nigerian participants for adding regional value to the training.
As participants received their certification, Vice President Alafia Cole reminded them that this achievement marks not an endpoint but the beginning of building a stronger archery community capable of representing Sierra Leone with pride on international platforms.
