By Mackie M. Jalloh
As the countdown to the 2025 African Dodgeball Championship in Abidjan nears its final weeks, Sierra Leone’s National Dodgeball Team is sounding an urgent call for immediate intervention. With the tournament scheduled for August, the team is racing against time—not just to train, but to secure the critical financial and logistical support required to make the dream of representing Sierra Leone on the continental stage a reality.
Despite their unwavering determination, the team is grappling with an alarming lack of resources. Training daily at the Attouga Mini Stadium under challenging conditions, the athletes are doing everything in their power to prepare. But without funding, all their hard work risks ending in disappointment.
“This is not just about dodgeball; this is about national representation, youth empowerment, and sports development,” said a team official. “We have reached a breaking point. If we don’t get help now, Sierra Leone will miss out on AFCON Dodgeball 2025—not because we lack the talent, but because we lack the means.”
The African Dodgeball Federation’s tournament is one of the continent’s most exciting emerging sporting events. Scheduled to bring together top dodgeball nations in Abidjan- Côte d’Ivoire, it offers a golden opportunity for Sierra Leone to solidify its presence in a growing sport. After a spirited debut at the African Championship in Meknes, Morocco, where the team turned heads with its performance, this year’s competition could be a turning point.
But that dream is now hanging by a thread.
The Sierra Leone Dodgeball Federation is appealing directly to the Government of Sierra Leone, through the Ministry of Sports and the National Sports Authority (NSA), as well as to private companies, NGOs, philanthropists, and well-meaning citizens. They are seeking support for travel, accommodation, registration fees, kits, medical assistance, and essential nutrition for the athletes.
“We are in the final stretch, and this is the moment that will decide our fate,” said the head coach. “This team has sacrificed, trained, and shown immense dedication. But we can’t compete internationally on passion alone.”
The Federation has also emphasized the need for broader support in the form of media visibility, corporate sponsorships, and technical assistance to ensure that the players are mentally, physically, and emotionally ready for the competition.
For many of the players, this tournament represents more than just sport—it’s a symbol of national pride and personal growth. They are eager to wave the green, white, and blue flag with honour in Abidjan, building on their previous experience and aiming for an even better showing.
But unless urgent support is received within the coming days that ambition may never leave the ground.
“This is a call for national solidarity,” a team spokesperson added. “We are not asking for luxuries—we are asking for basic support to help our young athletes represent Sierra Leone with pride and dignity.”
Anyone willing to support or partner with the team can reach the Sierra Leone Dodgeball Federation through the following contact details:
📞 Mobile: +23279070935 / +23276604662
📧 Email: sierradodgeballassociation@gmail.com / info@sldodgeball.com
🌐 Website: www.sldodgeball.com
With just weeks remaining, every second counts. The question now is: will Sierra Leone let this team fall through the cracks—or will we rise together to put them on the international stage where they belong?
