Sierra Leone Rugby Union over the weekend at the National Olympic Committee (NOC) Office Howe Street has disbursed COVID-19 fund to Clubs and Regional Bodies. The Union also dissolved Board, and in two weeks’ time will also dissolve its executive committee and as a way aligning itself with the governance structure recognized by International Rugby Union. According to the president of the Union, Mr. Jeremiah M. Pratt the funds disbursed was part of a lump sum of 2,000 Euros which they had received from the African Rugby Union as a relief fund for the COVID-19 outbreak which has affected the world.
“We are going to use the money as relief by disbursing to the various clubs and their regional bodies while the remaining amount will be used to register the Union through the National Sports Authority (NSA) to become a member,” he asserted.
According to Pratt, the major reason for the dissolution of the Board is because the International Rugby Union hasn’t got a ‘Board’, noting and national unions should be in line with what is practiced internationally.
He went on state that the National Olympic Committee (NOC) said that they are only aware of the executive committee and not the ‘Board’. He added that in a meeting with the Deputy Minister of Sports, he (Pratt) advised them to dissolve the ‘Board’ and work with the executive as the association is a new one.
Mr. Pratt further emphasized that in two weeks’ time they will dissolve the Executive Committee, and replace it with an interim body which will constitute among others the President and the Secretary General steer towards elections.
“Rugby union is a new born baby in Sierra Leone, and we have found out that the two bodies were doing the same job” he added.
With regards to the forth coming elections, Mr. Pratt said that stake holders will review the constitution and adopt new changes after seeking legal advice.
Each of the clubs and the regional bodies were told to use the money to buy foods, hand sanitizers, veronica buckets and liquid soap to be washing their hands frequently.
The players were advised to continuously engage in their self training until the government lifts ban on sporting activities. They also appealed to them to also take the COVID-19 message to their communities so that they will help curb the spread of the disease.
By Desmond Tunde Coker
10/09/2020. ISSUE NO: 7905