Against All Odds: Sierra Leone Pickleball Team's Grueling Journey to African Games
What's the Score?
The Sierra Leone Pickleball team's journey to the All African Games in Ghana was marked by extraordinary challenges and unwavering determination. Facing significant financial constraints, equipment shortages, and logistical hurdles, the team overcame seemingly insurmountable odds to represent their country. Their story is a powerful testament to their passion for pickleball and their resilience in the face of adversity.
Hit it deeper!
The Sierra Leone Pickleball Association, established just two and a half years ago, operates with severely limited resources. Despite these limitations, the association has fostered a growing enthusiasm for pickleball within the country, with many athletes eager to learn and compete. The invitation to participate in the All African Games in Ghana presented a dream opportunity for these dedicated players to showcase their talent on an international stage. However, this dream was quickly confronted by the harsh reality of a lack of funding. Sierra Leone is currently grappling with an economic crisis, resulting in significant cuts to national sports funding, and pickleball was not among the few sports receiving government support.
Faced with the very real possibility of missing this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, Jeremiah Moshopeh Pratt Jr., a key leader within the Sierra Leone Pickleball Association, and his wife made a profound personal sacrifice. Demonstrating their deep belief in the athletes and the future of pickleball in Sierra Leone, they made the difficult decision to sell a piece of their land to raise the necessary funds for the team's transport to Ghana. The $2,000 generated from this sale was just enough to cover the essential travel costs.
The team's journey began on March 7th and involved an arduous multi-leg bus trip through four countries. Their route took them from Sierra Leone to Bo City, then onward to Liberia, followed by a long haul to Ivory Coast, and finally to their destination in Ghana. For many of the players, this was their first time traveling far from home, and they encountered numerous challenges along the way, including navigating immigration checkpoints and enduring travel delays without adequate food or water.
In Liberia, the team faced an unexpected setback when they missed their connecting bus and were stranded overnight. In a heartwarming display of solidarity within the pickleball community, local Liberian pickleball players stepped in to assist, providing the stranded team with a safe place to rest. Continuing their journey, the team faced further exhaustion and financial strain, particularly at the Ghanaian border where they needed to cover the costs of vaccinations and permits. Once again, the kindness of strangers prevailed as fellow passengers contributed funds to help them proceed.
After an incredibly challenging journey, the Sierra Leone Pickleball team finally arrived in Accra, Ghana, late on the night of March 11th. Unfortunately, their late arrival meant they had missed the opening ceremony and their initial scheduled matches. Despite this disappointment, their determination had brought them to the Games. Their participation in the event was further supported by the Confederation of African Pickleball (CAP), which generously contributed to ensure the team could take part in a special exhibition event. CAP's Secretary-General, Collins Munene, rallied support from partners across the continent, raising $1,500 to help fund the team's return trip.
The story of the Sierra Leone Pickleball team is a powerful illustration of the passion, resilience, and hope that fuels the growth of the sport, even in the face of significant obstacles. Their journey highlights the strength of community support and the unwavering spirit of individuals dedicated to their sport.
The World Pickleball Verdict
The Sierra Leone Pickleball team's journey to the All African Games is an incredibly inspiring story that transcends the sport itself. Their unwavering determination to compete, despite facing immense financial and logistical challenges, showcases the powerful impact of passion and perseverance. The personal sacrifice made by Jeremiah Moshopeh Pratt Jr. underscores the deep commitment within the Sierra Leone pickleball community. Furthermore, the acts of kindness and support they received from fellow pickleball players in Liberia and even fellow travellers highlight the unifying spirit of the global pickleball community. While they may have missed their initial matches, their presence at the Games and participation in the exhibition event are a significant achievement, demonstrating that dedication and community spirit can overcome even the most daunting obstacles. This story serves as a reminder of the power of sport to inspire and connect people across borders and circumstances.