Support Sports in Sierra Leone

03/28/2026

As the fourth and final installment of our Women’s History Month series honoring Sierra Leonean excellence, we celebrate a woman who made her mark in the area of Culture. Mabinty Michaela DePrince transformed the global stage through the language of dance.
Her story is not just one of artistic brilliance, but a profound masterclass in overcoming the impossible.
🇸🇱 Honoring Mabinty Michaela DePrince: The Ballerina of Resilience 🇸🇱
Born Mabinty Bangura in Kenema, Sierra Leone, during the height of the civil war, Michaela’s early years were marked by loss and hardship. Labeled "the devil's child" in an orphanage because of vitiligo (a skin condition), she refused to let others define her worth. Today, she is remembered as one of the most influential ballerinas of her generation.
Her Journey of Excellence & Cultural Impact:
• A Symbol of Hope: While still in Sierra Leone, Michaela found a discarded magazine showing a ballerina on point. That image became her "symbol of hope," a vision of a world of beauty that she was determined to reach.
• Breaking the Classical Mold: After being adopted and moving to the U.S., she faced systemic barriers in the world of classical ballet. She famously defied the claim that "America wasn't ready for a Black girl ballerina," rising to become the youngest principal dancer in the history of the Dance Theatre of Harlem.
• Global Artistic Brilliance: Her talent took her across the Atlantic once more, where she performed as a soloist for the Dutch National Ballet and later joined the Boston Ballet. She proved that Sierra Leonean brilliance knows no borders.
• Pop Culture Icon: Michaela brought ballet to the masses, starring in the award-winning documentary First Position and featured prominently in the "Hope" segment of Beyoncé’s Lemonade visual album.
• Humanitarian Heart: As an ambassador for War Child, she used her platform to advocate for children living in conflict zones, turning her own history of war into a mission of peace and empowerment for others.
Michaela DePrince’s legacy is a reminder that no matter how dark the beginning, brilliance and perseverance can create a future that shines. She didn't just break barriers; she danced over them.

03/20/2026

For the third installment of Support Sports in Sierra Leone’s Women’s History Month series, we shift our focus to the arena of Politics to honor a woman who broke glass ceilings in municipal governance and public service: Florence Dillsworth.
While many remember her as a legendary educator, her transition into politics marked a pivotal moment for female leadership in Sierra Leone’s capital.
🇸🇱 Honoring Florence Dillsworth: The Stateswoman of Freetown 🇸🇱
Florence Dillsworth’s political career was defined by the same discipline and brilliance she brought to the classroom. She didn't just participate in politics; she led with a vision for a modern, organized, and inclusive Freetown.
Her Political Excellence & Impact:
• Breaking the Political Ceiling: Florence Dillsworth made history as the third female Mayor of Freetown (serving as Chairman of the Freetown City Council). In a political landscape often dominated by men, her ascent was a masterclass in leadership and merit.
• A Visionary for the City: During her tenure, she was known for her focus on urban renewal and social welfare. She applied her "principal’s discipline" to city management, advocating for transparency and better services for the residents of Freetown.
• The Diplomat of Brookfields: Whether she was engaging with international partners or local community leaders, she carried herself with a stateswoman’s grace, bridging the gap between traditional values and modern governance.
• Empowering the Next Generation of Leaders: By serving in such a high-profile public office, she served as a living blueprint for young Sierra Leonean women, proving that the skills learned in education and community service are the perfect foundation for political power.
• A Lasting Monument of Service: Her legacy was so profound that her name remains synonymous with integrity in Freetown. The commissioning of the Florence Dillsworth Building in 2022 on the campus of the St. Joseph’s Secondary School where she studied and later became the principal, serves as a permanent reminder of a leader who dedicated her life to the betterment of her city and its people.
Florence Dillsworth showed us that true politics is simply "service on a larger scale." Her brilliance in the political arena paved the way for the many women who now lead the city of Freetown and the nation of Sierra Leone.

03/15/2026

Tennis + Teamwork = A Cleaner Freetown! 🇸🇱🧹
What an inspiring day at the Sierra Leone National Tennis Center! Our Support Sports in Sierra Leone family—kids, parents, and coaches from the Hill Station Tennis Club —came together on April 14th for a massive "Cleanup Day" at the National Tennis Center.
We weren't just cleaning; we were learning! 🧠💡 The team from The Freetown Innovation Lab joined us to teach the kids how to separate trash properly. They learned that the plastic bottles and metal scraps they found aren't just "rubbish"—they can actually be recycled and turned into something useful! ♻️
By the end of the day, we had separate bags for: 🍃 Organic waste (leaves and twigs) 🧴 Plastic (bottles and bags) 🥫 Metal waste
The best part? The big group photo where everyone shouted: "Lets Keep Our Tennis Club Clean!" in Krio! 🗣️🙌
At Support Sports, we are committed to protecting our environment. Teaching our children to care for their surroundings is just as important as teaching them a backhand.
Check out our partners at freetowninnovationlab.com to see the great work they are doing!

03/13/2026

Continuing our Women’s History Month series, we at Support Sports in Sierra Leone celebrate the resilience, brilliance, and excellence of Sierra Leonean women. Today, we turn our spotlight to the world of Business to honor a 19th-century powerhouse: Betsy Carew.

🇸🇱 Honoring Betsy Carew: A Titan of Entrepreneurship 🇸🇱
Betsy Carew’s life is a masterclass in economic resilience. As a "Liberated African" in Freetown, she didn't just survive after the horrors of the slave trade—she thrived, becoming one of the most successful and influential businesswomen of her era.

Her legacy in the Sierra Leonean business world is defined by:

Entrepreneurial Brilliance: Betsy established herself as a prominent meat merchant and government contractor in 19th-century Freetown, navigating a male-dominated commercial landscape with incredible skill.

Economic Independence: At a time when women's roles were often restricted, she built a business empire that provided her with significant wealth and social standing.

A Pillar of the Community: Her success allowed her to become a major property owner and a generous philanthropist, supporting the growth of the early Freetown colony.

Strategic Excellence: She masterfully managed complex supply chains and government tenders, proving that Sierra Leonean women have been at the forefront of commerce and trade for centuries.

Betsy Carew reminds us that economic empowerment is a cornerstone of leadership. Her journey from liberation to leading merchant remains a blueprint for Sierra Leonean excellence in business.

Join us as we continue to celebrate the women who built our history!

03/10/2026

Cook Clean, Save Money, Save Lives! 🍲✨
Big news from the Hill Station Tennis Club of Support Sports in Sierra Leone! Our latest project has officially helped local families cut their cooking costs nearly in HALF.
For many families in Sierra Leone, traditional charcoal stoves aren't just hard on the lungs—they’re hard on the wallet. By switching to the Smart Green cookstove, our community members are seeing amazing changes:
✅ More money for food & school: Savings of 45% on fuel means more resources for what matters most.
✅ Better Health: Respiratory issues during cooking dropped from 20% to 5%!
✅ Protecting our Forests: Less charcoal used means fewer trees cut down, helping prevent floods and landslides.
As one parent told us: "May God bless Support Sports... now we can see that help is on the way."
📍 What’s next? We are taking this project to the Bo District this Spring! We aim to provide 50 more stoves to families in need, and we need your support to get there.
👇 Watch the stories of the families involved:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PqIZDzHH4qKLXukIsBTYiPWv9emwTHBT/view?usp=drive_link
https://drive.google.com/file/d/100vTil_6g0sFlgPv1L0VYW5_4LDg0irs/view?usp=sharing
Want to support the Bo District expansion? Send us an email to [email protected]. Together, we can cook clean and save lives! 🇸🇱💚

03/05/2026

This Women's History Month, we at Support Sports in Sierra Leone are celebrating the resilience, brilliance, and excellence of Sierra Leonean women who have shaped history and continue to lead with purpose. Over the next few weeks, we will honor four remarkable women in the areas of Education, Politics, Culture, and Business.
Today, we begin with a pioneer in education: Margru Kinson (Sarah Kinson).
🇸🇱 Honoring Margru Kinson: A Journey of Resilience and Brilliance 🇸🇱
Margru’s story is a powerful testament to the human spirit. Born in the Mende region of West Africa (modern-day Sierra Leone), she was sold into slavery as a young girl to pay a family debt. In 1839, she was one of four children aboard the schooner La Amistad when the captives revolted and seized control of the ship.
Her journey took her from a legal battle for freedom in the U.S. Supreme Court to becoming a trailblazing educator:
After winning their freedom before the U.S. Supreme court, having learned to speak, read and write English while in the United States, Margru along with the 31 adults and three other children of the original 53 who had been trafficked aboard La Amistad returned to Sierra Leone in November 1841. She began work in south-eastern Sierra Leone as a teacher.
• Pioneering Education: In 1846, Margru returned to the U.S. to study at Oberlin College in Ohio, becoming the first woman born in Africa to be educated at an American college.
• Academic Excellence: During her three years at Oberlin, she excelled in her studies, including subjects like Algebra, Roman History, and Physiology.
• A Commitment to Home: Despite the opportunities in America, her heart remained in Africa. In 1849, she returned to Sierra Leone to work as a missionary and teacher, later becoming the head teacher of a girls' school.
• Empowering Women: Beyond the classroom, she founded a sewing society for local women to equip them with practical skills and promote economic self-sufficiency.
Margru Kinson’s life bridged two continents and proved that through education and resilience, one can turn the horrors of the past into a legacy of empowerment for others.
Join us as we continue to celebrate Sierra Leonean excellence this month!

03/02/2026

At Support Sports in Sierra Leone, we invest resources in providing Sierra Leonean youth with opportunities to engage in sporting and recreational activities. At the same time, we believe that access to digital tools is the ultimate game-changer. We are on a mission to enrich lives through technology in a region where digital literacy is the key to unlocking future opportunities, and is officially launching Computer Learning Centers in Bo and Freetown, Sierra Leone! Our goal is simple: give local youth the digital skills they need to succeed in today’s world.
We’ve already secured 40 laptops (20 for Freetown and 20 for Bo), secured locations for the two centers, and landed a partner who will handle shipping from the United States to Sierra Leone.
Now, we just need the "missing pieces" to get these centers officially open for our youth!
💡 Why this matters
For a kid in Sierra Leone, learning to use a computer isn't just a "cool skill"—it’s a game-changer. It means:
• Job opportunities in the global digital world.
• Better grades with access to online research and tools.
• Confidence to compete with students anywhere in the world.
🔧 What we’re looking for
We need partners or donors to help us source these essentials:
• 🖱️ Mice & Mouse Pads (for easier learning)
• 🎧 Headphones (so kids can focus on lessons)
• 🔌 UPS & Surge Protectors (to keep the laptops safe from power spikes!)
• 🌐 Routers & Cables (to get everyone connected)
• 🖨️ 2 Printers (one for each city)
🤝 How to help
Got extra tech gear? Want to sponsor a specific item? Or know a company that can donate?
Every little bit counts! Send an email to [email protected]. to learn how you can get involved.
Do you want to donate cash? Click this link to our donation site - https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/support-our-digital-learning-center-help-our-children-acquire-the-tools-needed-for-success
Let’s give these kids the digital tools they need to win! 🏆

02/21/2026

🎾 More than just a game. This March, the Hill Station Tennis Club of Support Sports in Sierra Leone is trading rackets for rakes! 🧹
Our young athletes in Freetown are stepping up to lead the way for a cleaner, greener Sierra Leone. Over two weekends, we’re hosting an environmental masterclass and a massive community cleanup at the National Tennis Center.
The Mission: 📍 March 7: Education on recycling & fighting climate change. 📍 March 14: Action! A full-scale cleanup of our courts and neighborhoods.
We need YOUR help to outfit our team! We are raising funds for: ✅ Heavy-duty trash bags & tools ✅ Safe drinking water & meals for our volunteers ✅ Educational resources for the kids
Every contribution helps our players keep their "home court" clean and their futures bright.
🔗 Donate today at: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/game-set-match-for-a-cleaner-freetown

02/15/2026

🎾 More Than Just a Game: Fueling Futures in Sierra Leone 🇸🇱
Did you know that 82% of the population in Sierra Leone is food insecure, meaning their daily nutritional needs are not met? Moreover, in Freetown, where our athletes live, only a small percentage of residents have regular access to safe drinking water.
At Support Sports in Sierra Leone (SSISL), we believe no child should be hungry—in our community or beyond. That’s why our Hill Station Tennis Club is about so much more than just perfecting a backhand.
For the 56 children enrolled in our program, tennis practice is a gateway to health, safety, and survival. To support their growth and well-being, we provide:
• Post-Practice Nutrition: Every Saturday we serve 70 nutritious meals to the children who participate and to the, coaches, and volunteers that work in our Tennis Club program. We do this to ensure these young athletes as well as the adults working with them have the energy they need to thrive.
• Essential Hydration: Along with the meals, each Saturday we serve 120 half- liter containers of clean, safe drinking water, providing a critical safety net in an area where safe water is a luxury.
We pay $750 a month for the meals and water. We need your help raising this money. Please help us: Your donation today directly funds the meals and hydration that keep our kids on the court and healthy off of it. By supporting SSISL, you are helping us meet UN Sustainable Development Goals for Zero Hunger and Clean Water.

Click the link below to help us fuel the next generation of Sierra Leonean champions! 🎾🥗💧 https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/help-us-buy-food-and-water-to-fuel-the-next-generation-of-sierra-leonean-champions

02/08/2026

🏆 BIG NEWS for Sierra Leonean Sports! 🇸🇱
We are thrilled to announce that Support Sports in Sierra Leone (SSISL) has officially been issued a license by the National Sports Authority (NSA)!
This recognition by the primary government agency for sports regulation marks a new chapter in our mission to empower young athletes and transform the sporting landscape across Sierra Leone.
What does this license mean for our mission?
Being a licensed body under the NSA opens up incredible opportunities to better serve our athletes and associations:
• Official Recognition & Credibility: We are now a fully recognized partner under the NSA's umbrella, ensuring our activities align with national standards and government policy.
• Access to Infrastructure: This partnership brings us closer to the NSA’s massive development projects, including the transformation of dusty pitches into modern artificial turf fields across the country.
• Funding Opportunities: Licensing is a key benchmark for eligibility to benefit from the National Sports Development Fund, a major government initiative to boost sports performance.
• Professional Growth: We gain access to technical support and professionalization resources aimed at enhancing athlete welfare and coaching standards.
• Collective Impact: We join a professional network of 60+ sporting organizations working together to foster national identity and unity through sport.
We want to thank Executive Director Dr. Emmanuel Saffa Abdulai and the entire NSA team for their commitment to transforming sports architecture in Sierra Leone, and thank our National Coordinator, Alie Kamara, for spearheading our engagement with the NSA.
Together, we are moving from "business as usual" to a future of excellence! 🚀
🔗 Learn more about our work: www.supportsportsinsierraleone.org

02/05/2026