Signing of the MOU by the President of National Olympic Committee of Sierra Leone and President of Sierra Leone Football Association

The National Olympic Committee of Sierra Leone (NOC-SLE) and the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) formally entered into a strategic partnership with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Anti-Doping Education and the Development of Drug-Testing Structures in Football. The ceremony represented a significant step toward strengthening clean sport, protecting athletes, and aligning Sierra Leone’s football ecosystem with internationally accepted anti-doping standards.

Proceedings began with underscoring the shared commitment of all stakeholders to integrity, transparency, and collaboration. The event was officially called to order by Hon. Ahmed Khanou, Secretary General of the National Olympic Committee of Sierra Leone, who welcomed participants and highlighted the importance of the MOU as a framework for cooperation between two leading national sporting institutions. He noted that the agreement establishes a clear pathway for structured anti-doping education and institutional support within football.

National Director of NADO Sierra Leone Dr. Brian Conton making a statement

In his opening remarks, Dr. Brian Conton, National Director of the National Anti-Doping Organization of Sierra Leone (NADO-SLE), emphasized the global and national importance of anti-doping compliance. He explained that the MOU reflects a shared commitment by NOC-SLE, acting through NADO, and SLFA to promote clean sport and safeguard athletes’ welfare. Dr. Conton outlined how the partnership would focus on education, capacity building, awareness, and the gradual development of drug-testing systems in football, consistent with the guidelines of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). He further highlighted football’s extensive reach as a powerful platform for advancing anti-doping awareness nationwide.

President Babadi Kamara of Sierra Leone Football Association making a statement

The President of the Sierra Leone Football Association, President Babadi Kamara, delivered a statement reaffirming SLFA’s dedication to fair play and ethical sport. He stressed that the association recognizes anti-doping education as a critical responsibility across all levels of football, from grassroots to elite competitions. President Kamara highlighted the MOU’s objectives, including training and capacity-building for medical and technical personnel, outreach to players and officials, and the development of a roadmap for introducing doping-control procedures in domestic competitions. He described the partnership as a vital investment in the long-term credibility and development of football in Sierra Leone.

President Prince Vandy Sualley of National Olympic Committee of Sierra Leone making a statement

In his address, the President of the National Olympic Committee of Sierra Leone, Prince Vandy Sualley, emphasized the NOC-SLE’s mandate to uphold fair competition, Olympic values, and international standards. He underscored the role of NADO-SLE as the recognized authority for anti-doping and highlighted the importance of collaboration with national federations such as SLFA to ensure broad-based compliance. President Sualley described the MOU as a landmark agreement that strengthens institutional coordination, promotes athlete education, and sets the foundation for the future introduction of drug-testing systems in football, all in line with WADA regulations.

The ceremony was climaxed with the formal signing of the Memorandum of Understanding, symbolizing the shared commitment of both institutions. The MOU was signed on behalf of the Sierra Leone Football Association by President Babadi Kamara and on behalf of the National Olympic Committee of Sierra Leone by President Prince Vandy Sualley, with Dr. Brian Conton, National Director of NADO-SLE, serving as an official witness.

The Presidents and Secretary Generals of the two Sporting Organization with the certified Doping Officers

Through this agreement, NOC-SLE and SLFA committed to jointly designing and delivering anti-doping education programs, strengthening institutional capacity, engaging communities and youth structures, and developing a phased and compliant approach to doping control in football. The signing ceremony marked the beginning of a structured, cooperative effort to promote clean sport, protect athletes, and reinforce the integrity of football and sport in Sierra Leone.

President Babadi Kamara of SLFA and President Prince Vandy Sualley of National Olympic Committee of Sierra Leone

A cross section of sport personalities and Pressmen

The audience

President Babadi addressing the audience