Sierra Leone

Freetown, Sierra Leone --- Wednesday, 12 March 2008. In collaboration with the Office of the Vice President, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and leading telecommunications company, Africell, have joined forces to support the Single Leg Amputee Sports Club (SLASC) in its participation in the All African Amputee Football Championship in Liberia from 30 March to 14 April 2008. This news was recently disclosed at a press conference with the sports club executive, whereby UNDP and Africell committed to support the team in their venture to Monrovia.

UNDP have teamed up with Africell as part the UN Global Compact framework, an initiative in which the UN partners with private businesses and build their social legitimacy. Africell, as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility, has committed over US$14,000 to support the team in its travel to the Championship games. According to the Africell Chief Commercial Officer, Joe Amara-Bangali, “the money donated will be used to cover expenses related to transportation, travel allowances, team camping, football and medical kits, and protective stump devices. Africell also has plans to sponsor friendly home matches between the Club and its UK counterparts in May 2008.”

According to UNDP Communication and External Relations Specialist, Peter Ngu Tayong, “the Single Leg Amputee Sports Club showcases the determination of these athletes to succeed despite their disabilities. Through football the amputees tell the world that Sierra Leone is moving forward and the country is back to business. UNDP plans to continue working with Africell after this tournament to empower the female amputees of Sierra Leone, as well as undertake other skill-building programmes to improve their livelihoods.”

The Single Leg Amputee Sports Club was established in 2001 following the end of the country’s ten year civil conflict. It has represented Sierra Leone on different international occasions in the UK, Russia, Brazil and Liberia. More recently, in November 2007 UNDP funded the Club’s participation at the World Amputee Football Championship in Turkey, to a cost of over US$20,000.