The sports fraternity on Sunday bade farewell to Winston D.C. Crowther, former President of the Sierra Leone Cycling Association and serving President of the Sierra Leone Triathlon Association, who was laid to rest following his passing.
Tributes began with a laying-out service held at the Ministry of Sports, where colleagues, administrators, and sports lovers gathered to pay their final respects. Among those present were Minister of Sports Augusta James-Teima, Deputy Minister Kai Lawrence Mbayo, President of the National Olympic Committee (NOC) Prince Vandy Sualley, Director of Participation and Sustainable Sports at the NSA Steven Keifala, NOC Secretary General Ahmed Khanou, and several other sports personalities.
In her tribute, the Sports Minister described the late Crowther as a hardworking, passionate, and courageous sports administrator who dedicated his life to the development of sports in Sierra Leone. She noted that even after completing his tenure as Cycling Association President, Winston went on to pioneer and lead the Triathlon Association, a commitment he maintained until his passing. She described his loss as irreplaceable, while expressing hope that a worthy successor would continue from where he left off.
Several other speakers also highlighted Winston’s dedication, resilience, and unwavering zeal for sports development.
At the church service, NOC President Prince Vandy Sualley paid an emotional tribute, describing Winston as a man of vision and inspiration. He recalled that Winston was his senior both at Albert Academy Secondary School and in sports administration. He noted that even while battling illness, Winston remained encouraging, often rallying colleagues with his trademark slogan, “No retreat, no surrender,” unaware that he was preparing for his final call.
In a symbolic and emotional moment, the NOC Secretary General Ahmed Khanou conducted a roll call of sports association presidents, a tradition within the sporting community. All present responded—except Winston. After calling his name twice without response, Khanou solemnly informed the gathering that Winston was unavoidably absent without excuse.
With a heavy heart, Ahmed Khanou requested permission from the NOC President to permanently delete Winston D.C. Crowther’s name from the register of association presidents. Prince Vandy Sualley granted the permission, marking the moment with deep emotion.
Concluding the ceremony, Prince Sualley said, “Wasa Wasa, rest in perfect peace until we all meet on that day.”
