The Executive Director of the National Sports Authority (NSA), Barrister Mohamed Alphaka Conteh, has expressed his commitment to popularising Scrabble across Sierra Leone, highlighting its educational value and potential to improve students’ English language skills.

During a meeting with a cross-section of members of the Sierra Leone Scrabble Association at his office, Conteh described Scrabble as an educational game that could contribute to learning and intellectual development, particularly among young people.

“I love the game of Scrabble because it basically rhymes with education.”

Barrister Mohamed Alphaka Conteh, NSA Executive Director

He further disclosed his intention to engage NSA staff to explore the possibility of including Scrabble in this year’s Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDA) sporting competition.

The proposed initiative could provide an opportunity to promote the game beyond its traditional playing community and encourage greater participation among public sector employees and young people nationwide.

Meanwhile, the scrabblers are intensifying preparations for the forthcoming Africa Scrabble Championship, scheduled to take place in Monrovia, Liberia. However, the association faces financial challenges that could affect its ability to participate fully in the continental competition.

Addressing the association’s concerns, Conteh expressed his willingness to engage potential sponsors and institutions to help raise the funds needed to support the delegation.

“The time is too short, but let’s see how it goes. The government is challenged financially to provide support at this moment, but we are going to try to engage a few institutions to raise funds.”

Barrister Mohamed Alphaka Conteh

His commitment offers a positive sign for the association as it seeks financial support ahead of the championship. Although funding remains a major concern, the proposed engagement with institutions could help ease the financial burden and strengthen Sierra Leone’s participation in the continental event.

Conteh’s vision of integrating Scrabble into educational and sporting activities also presents an opportunity to expand the game’s reach, promote literacy and encourage intellectual competition across the country.

For the Sierra Leone Scrabble Association, the immediate priority remains securing the necessary resources for the championship in Liberia, while continuing to pursue a broader vision of making Scrabble more accessible to young people and communities throughout Sierra Leone.