Skip to main content

Renewed Hope for Youth: StarBurst Park Champions Sports Development in Makeni Northern Sierra Leone

By Desmond Paine, Sports Correspondent and Founder, Sport For Empowerment Foundation Sierra Leone / Netherlands



StarBurst Park, a vibrant and state-of-the-art sports complex in Sierra Leone, is rapidly emerging as a beacon of hope and opportunity for aspiring young athletes across the nation. 

In a landscape where the spotlight often shines solely on football and entertainment venues, the park's visionary founder, Ibrahim Kanu, is boldly carving out a different path, one that begins with the thrilling sport of basketball. 

During a recent visit to the facility, Kanu passionately articulated his love for basketball. 

“Basketball is a beautiful sport, and my familiarity with the game allows me to better understand what is necessary to cultivate its growth through the StarBurst program,” he shared with infectious enthusiasm. 

His ambitious vision is to leverage basketball as a gateway to foster a rich, diverse sporting culture throughout the region.

However, basketball is merely one component of a larger vision. StarBurst Park boasts an array of meticulously designed sports facilities, including well-maintained courts for lawn tennis, volleyball, and badminton, inviting young athletes to explore their potential across multiple disciplines. 

This initiative is dedicated not just to discovering and nurturing talent, but also to ensuring that children from all walks of life, particularly those attending schools that lack adequate sporting infrastructure, can benefit from structured training and competitive opportunities.

Kanu and his dedicated team immerse themselves in the everyday lives of these young athletes, frequently devoting their time during school sports breaks to teach essential basketball skills, fostering a sense of camaraderie and teamwork among participants. 

L-R: Ibrahim Kanu and Desmond Paine

In addition, the park is taking significant steps to engage young female athletes by organizing vibrant football tournaments specifically for girls, alongside providing invaluable sports equipment to athletes involved in these initiatives.

Through their unwavering commitment and tireless efforts, StarBurst Park is rekindling hope in the hearts of children and cultivating a supportive environment where sports and personal development flourish in tandem. 

With an unwavering dedication to inclusivity and growth, StarBurst Park is poised to become a cornerstone in the grassroots sports development landscape of Sierra Leone, shaping the futures of countless youth and inspiring a new generation of athletes.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

IMC Boss Engages Bo District Council Chairman

By: Paul Kamara The Chairman of the Independent Media Commission (IMC), Joseph Egbenda Kapuwa Esq, conducted a familiarization visit on Friday, 12th July 2024, to the Bo District Council Chairman, Victor Korseh Hindowa, at his Administrative Office in Falaba Section, Bo. Accompanying Chairman Kapuwa was his Executive Secretary, Mr. Khalil Kallon, along with Commissioners and staff from the Southern Region. During the visit, Mr. Khalil Kallon discussed the purpose of their visit, which was to formally introduce the IMC Chairman to the District Council Chairman, create familiarity, and provide an opportunity for Chairman Kapuwa to share his vision and aspirations for the commission. In his address to the Bo District Council Chairman, Joseph Egbenda Kapuwa Esq emphasized his commitment to meeting with various stakeholders across the country to build relationships. He also highlighted the commission's activities and its role in registering and regulating media institutions. Chairman Ka...
Post a Comment
Read more

Makeni Medical Mission Brings Hope and Healing to Bombali District

By: Alusine Rehme Wilson Residents of the Asker Amputee Camp in Makeni City, including various war victims, are rejoicing over the inauguration of the Makeni Medical Mission health facility, established by philanthropist, author, and pastor Mr. Bambay Sawaneh, alongside his partners in the United States. This newly launched medical facility, comprising 11 treatment rooms, was developed with the support of Southeastern Medical International (SMI) and the Concord Christian Church. Their mission is to deliver compassionate healthcare and a range of medical services to the people of Bombali District and surrounding areas, with a particular focus on war victims and vulnerable families living in the Asker Amputee Camp at Robureh. At the official opening ceremony in Makeni city, a team of 10 medical missionaries from Southeastern Medical International, including Sheila Yates, a seasoned medical missionary with two decades of experience in the US, provided free medical care to 100 individuals,...
Post a Comment
Read more

Yoni Chiefdom Crowns Journalist Richmond Tholley as Ceremonial Chief

By Azrat Umar Saidu Turay The ceremony which took place on Sunday, May 26th, 2025, at Yoni Bana Town within Tonkolili district brought brought together eminent personality across the Northern -East parts of Serra Leone. The event was attended by dignitaries, community leaders, family members, and well-wishers, all gathered to witness this significant moment in the history of the Yoni Chiefdom. The ceremony began with traditional rituals, including the presentation of gifts and offerings to the ancestors, symbolizing respect for the rich heritage and customs of the Yoni people.  Elders from the chiefdom, adorned in traditional attire, played a pivotal role in the proceedings, blessing Tholley and imparting wisdom as he embarks on this new journey. Richmond B. Tholley, known for his dedication to journalism and community service, expressed deep gratitude for the honour bestowed upon him.  In his acceptance speech, he emphasized the importance of unity, cultural preservation, and developm...
Post a Comment
Read more