Concord Times (Freetown)
Sahr Morris Jr
28 November 2008
Like any other association formed in the country, the Sierra Leone Wrestling Association has been creeping for the past three years until recently when it made its first ever appearance in an international competition.
The team competed in the just concluded World Green Festival of traditional wrestling which started from November 18-25 in Lome, Togo with over 40 wrestling nations in the world participating.
Over 150 wrestlers challenged in three different categories - the free style belt, traditional free style and the China belt.
Just back from Lome, president of the association, Prince Swalley yesterday told Concord Sports that despite the wrestlers failing to win a single medal he was however satisfied with their performance.
He said even though they only took along three wrestlers to the competition, the two were knocked out in the third rounds, while the other went up to the fourth rounds of the contest.
"It was our first ever international competition and to me the boys did well because they've got the strength even though they lack certain techniques.
"In wrestling we have over 4,000 moves. The competition was an eye-opener for our boys; we've learnt a lot from this and if we keep working hard we will begin to win competitions in the not too distant future," Swalley said.
He noted that the interaction with colleagues has had a great impact on the country's wrestling.
National team coach, Abubakarr Kanu said he was satisfied with the teams' performance as most of the fights they lost were on technical points.
Captain Mohamed Barrie who fought in the 85kg category said he has learnt a lot of skills from the contest.
"It has been my dream to fight for my country in international competition and I have successfully achieved that. I appreciate the outcome of my fights and I believe
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