Adama M Sesay
A young sprinter from Port Loko has announced herself on the national stage after clinching the National Under-18 Female sprint title at Sierra Leone’s athletics championships.
Hawanatu, a student of Dr Kadi Sesay Girls Secondary School, emerged victorious at the national athletics meet held in Bo, where she outclassed competitors with a commanding display of speed and control. Observers at the event described her run as decisive, noting that she took the lead early and maintained it to the finish.
Her victory has sparked celebrations across Port Loko District and the wider Northwest Region, where she is being hailed as one of the area’s most promising young athletes. Hawanatu is a member of the Bai Bureh Athletics Club, which has played a key role in her development.
Sports officials say her success highlights the impact of grassroots coaching and community-based sports programs in nurturing female talent. It also reflects the growing efforts to encourage girls’ participation in athletics across Sierra Leone.
With her national title secured, stakeholders believe Hawanatu could soon earn opportunities to compete at regional and international levels. For many in Port Loko, her triumph represents more than a medal—it is a signal that the district and the Northwest Region are emerging as strong contributors to the country’s sprinting future.
