Africa-Press – Sierra-Leone. Dr. Alpha Sorie Bangura, a Sierra Leonean medical doctor and proponent of sports medicine, has underscored the need for improved healthcare and medical support for athletes in the country.
According to him, the performance of Sierra Leone’s athletes on the international stage depends significantly on their health and medical preparedness.
His remarks came after his participation in a three-day Sports Medicine Seminar held in Bamako, Mali, from July 19 to 21. The seminar was organized by the Zone II Confederation of African Athletics in collaboration with various regional stakeholders. Dr. Bangura attended the event alongside fellow Sierra Leonean delegate, Haja Batheh Bangura.
The seminar addressed critical aspects of sports medicine, including pre-competition medical evaluations, injury prevention, female athlete health management, anti-doping awareness, and adherence to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) medical code.
Dr. Bangura emphasized the importance of comprehensive medical assessments for athletes prior to competitions. He noted that such evaluations are necessary to detect any hidden health concerns or injuries, which could impair performance or put athletes at risk.
In addition, the seminar placed strong emphasis on anti-doping education. Dr. Bangura noted that athletes and their coaches need to be fully informed about substances banned in competitive sports. He cautioned that unintentional consumption of prohibited substances due to lack of knowledge could result in disqualification and damage to reputations.
The sessions also covered emergency response techniques for situations such as athlete collapse, as well as routine health checks like blood pressure and blood sugar monitoring before athletic events.
Dr. Bangura appealed to national sports authorities to place greater importance on sports medicine. He argued that the health sector should be considered a fundamental component of the country’s sports ecosystem. He further advocated for investment in training and international exposure for Sierra Leonean medical professionals involved in sports.
As part of future plans, Dr. Bangura announced his intention to establish a dedicated sports medicine unit in Sierra Leone. This unit would be equipped to assess, treat, and support athletes during training and competitions. He also expressed a desire to conduct seminars for local stakeholders to promote awareness and education around sports medicine.
Lastly, Dr. Bangura urged coaches and team managers to enhance their knowledge of athlete nutrition, which he identified as key to maintaining athlete health and preventing inadvertent doping violations.
The seminar in Bamako served as a platform for participants across West Africa to share knowledge and align on best practices in sports medicine, further underlining the growing recognition of health and medical science in shaping athletic success.
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