Sierra Leone Olympic Committee President Criticized for Including Family in 2024 Olympic Delegation

August 3, 2024

Prince Vandy Sualley, President of the National Olympic Committee of Sierra Leone and Head of the Sierra Leone Olympic Committee, is under fire after allegations surfaced that he included his wife and children in the country's delegation to the 2024 Olympics in France.

The decision has sparked outrage among sports officials and the public, who question the frequent inclusion of family members in delegations for significant competitions. Critics argue that this practice unfairly denies deserving officials and athletes their rightful opportunities, unless it can be confirmed that no National Olympic Committee (NOC) funds were used to cover the family's travel expenses.

Sualley has yet to address the accusations. Calls for transparency and accountability are growing within the Sierra Leone Olympic Committee, specifically regarding whether personal funds or the NOC's budget for the Paris 2024 Olympics were used to finance his family's trip.

Previously, Sualley replaced Dr. Patrick Coker as head of the NOC-SLE, winning the election with 23 votes against his opponents, Kelvin Ezekeil Kellie, who received four votes, and Mohamed Turay, who received one vote.