Freetown, SIERRA LEONE – The National Olympic Committee of Sierra Leone (NOC-SLE) is set to kick off an exciting one-day seminar on Sports Nutrition today, March 27th, 2025, at its Walpole Street office in Freetown. The seminar promises to be an informative and dynamic event for athletes, coaches, and sports enthusiasts alike.
Led by Dr. Patrick Coker, Chairman of the African National Olympic Committees’ (ANOCA) Medical and Anti-Doping Commission, the seminar will delve deep into the crucial role nutrition plays in enhancing athletic performance. Dr. Coker, who is also the Immediate Past President of the Committee, will lead the discussions on how athletes can optimize their diet to improve performance, prevent injuries, and recover faster.
According to Ahmed Khanou, the Acting Secretary General of NOC-SLE, the seminar will explore several key aspects of sports nutrition. Topics will include the types of foods athletes should consume, the timing and frequency of meals, as well as the foods and substances to avoid. Khanou emphasized the importance of understanding the legal and medical consequences of improper nutrition and substance use, noting that “ignorance of the law is no excuse.”
“Sports nutrition is all about tailoring a diet to help athletes perform at their best,” Khanou explained. “It’s about making informed decisions on what and when to eat for better results, faster recovery, and preventing injuries.”
Sports nutrition is particularly vital for endurance and strength-based athletes, though it can benefit any individual striving to boost their athletic capabilities. With the overwhelming amount of conflicting information available, a qualified sports nutritionist can provide the expert guidance needed to help athletes make the best dietary choices for their specific needs.
Dr. Coker, who recently delivered a well-received presentation on nutrition at the ‘Fundamentals of Sports Medicine Level C’ training course in Cairo, Egypt, has long been a proponent of educating athletes and coaches on the medical aspects of sports. He shared his insights on the importance of proper nutrition and medical care for athletes during the course, emphasizing that athletes need to be aware of what they should eat, when they should eat it, and what they should avoid.
“The goal is to ensure athletes and coaches are fully equipped to manage the medical and nutritional needs of the athletes,” Dr. Coker explained. “Understanding these aspects will help athletes perform better and stay healthier.”
The seminar will provide invaluable knowledge for athletes, coaches, and sports administrators, ensuring they have the tools and knowledge to support optimal performance and well-being. BT/27/3/2025