By Foday Moriba Conteh

NP Sierra Leone, in collaboration with the Sierra Leone Squash Association (SLSA), successfully concluded its 3rd edition of the Inter-Secondary Squash Tournament. The two-day event, held on the 5th & 6th June, 2025 at the NP Squash Court at St Edwards Secondary School on Kingtom in Freetown, showcased the burgeoning talent of young squash players across various secondary schools in Freetown.

The tournament featured four competitive categories: Under 12, Under 14, Under 16 and Under 18, for both boys and girls. Prizes were awarded to the top three finishers in each category, with the first-place winners receiving NLe 2000, the second-place winners NLe 1500, and the third-place winners NLe 1000.

Delivering her address on behalf of the NP-SL CEO, Dr. Williette James, Communications Manager of NP Sierra Leone, expressed gratitude to the Squash Association for their ongoing collaboration and emphasized NP-SL’s strong commitment to the sport.

“If we do not sponsor squash, the game may phase out in Sierra Leone,” she stated. “We believe in its value not just as a competitive sport, but as a full-body exercise that promotes health, discipline and youth engagement.”

The two-day tournament attracted participants from several secondary schools across Freetown and provided a platform for young talents to showcase their athletic skills. Dr. Williette James highlighted NP-SL’s role in constructing squash facilities in Freetown and Bo, with plans to expand infrastructure to schools in the east and west of the capital, including Annie Walsh Memorial School and Methodist Boys High School.

“It is unfair that students from schools like Annie Walsh have to travel far to access squash courts. We are working towards bringing the game closer to more schools across the country,” she added.

Dr. Williette James also urged the Sierra Leone Squash Association to expand the tournament beyond Freetown to include schools in provincial regions, stressing the need for year-round engagement, not just annual competitions.

“We need to utilize existing squash courts like the one at Fourah Bay College. Let’s ensure the game is played consistently not just once a year,” she emphasized, directing her message to the SLSA leadership and national coach.

The event was fully sponsored by NP-SL, covering transportation, refreshments, trophies and cash prizes for outstanding performers. Dr. Williette James reiterated that the tournament is not merely for fun, but a chance for students to see tangible rewards for their hard work and talent.

“This is our commitment to keep squash alive, to reward excellence and to ensure the game thrives across Sierra Leone.”

Bassem Mohamed, President of the Sierra Leone Squash Association (SLSA), reaffirmed his Association's commitment to developing squash both nationally and internationally.

He thanked NP-SL for its consistent sponsorship of squash over the years, emphasizing the corporate institution’s vital role in sustaining the sport. He also commended the leadership of St. Edward’s for hosting the tournament and acknowledged the dedication of Physical and Health Education (PHE) teachers in training and mentoring young athletes.

"As an Association, we have been working assiduously to ensure squash is played both locally and on the international stage," Bassem Mohamed said. "We are proud that the National Squash Board is now a recognized member of the National Olympic Committee, the National Sports Authority and the Squash Federation of Africa."

He revealed that the SLSA currently works with 15 secondary schools and plans to expand its reach by including more schools in next year’s calendar. He also reassured attendees of the Association’s continued support to promote squash and empower pupils through sports and education.

Alimatu Massaquoi, Principal of St. Edward’s Junior Secondary School, expressed deep appreciation to NP-Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL) and the Sierra Leone Squash Association (SLSA) for their continued commitment to promoting youth development through sport, particularly squash.

She lauded the organizers for providing a platform that not only encourages healthy competition but also nurtures physical fitness and mental discipline among students.

“On behalf of the school’s Proprietor and Board members, I want to sincerely thank NP-SL and the Squash Association for bringing this initiative to life,” she said. “We are grateful to be hosting this third edition of the squash tournament and applaud the continued efforts of our PE teacher, Yayah Kallon and the pupils who dedicate their Wednesdays to training.”

Alimatu Massaquoi also highlighted the importance of squash as a sport that builds both the body and mind and encouraged all participating schools to see the competition as a celebration of talent and sportsmanship.

“Even those who do not win, you are still winners,” she remarked. “Let’s boost the morale of squash in Sierra Leone. While we anticipate involving schools from the provinces in future editions, we in the Western Area must lead by example.”

Madam Alimatu Massaquoi concluded her remarks with a renewed call for more support towards the sport. “Let us embrace the competition, support one another and continue to grow squash in this country,” she said.

The tournament, fully sponsored by NP-SL in collaboration with the Sierra Leone Squash Association, continues to serve as a beacon of youth sports development and corporate-community partnership in Sierra Leone.

Pupils who participated in the competition showered praises on NP Sierra Leone, the  Sierra Leone Squash Association and the Sierra Fishing Company for staging the inter secondary school squash competition which they described as very important towards their development as squash players in the country.

They pleaded with the above institutions to continue in that regard of which they also pleaded with them to give them training opportunities.

The Inter-Secondary Squash Tournament which concluded with the presentation of trophies and certificates and cash prizes to the winners continues to serve as a platform to showcase the growing talent of young squash players in Sierra Leone and to build momentum toward the sport’s expansion across the country.

  https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/np-sl-concludes-3rd-annual-inter-schools-squash-tournament-with-winners-awarded-cash-and-trophies/