By Martin Wusha Conteh
Sierra Leonean Scrabble player Mohamed Alieu Kamara has won a silver medal at the just-concluded Mind Sports Olympiad in England, strengthening his preparations for the upcoming Africa Scrabble Championship.
Kamara produced an impressive performance against 26 other competitors, recording five wins and two losses with a spread of +798 to finish second overall.
He narrowly missed out on the top prize as Craig Solomons dominated the competition, winning all seven of his games to claim the gold medal.
The tournament formed part of Kamara’s preparations for the Africa Scrabble Championship (AFC), scheduled to take place in Monrovia, Liberia, in October.
Following his silver-medal finish, Kamara expressed delight at his performance and said his attention would now turn to representing Sierra Leone at the continental championship.
“I am delighted to finish in second position and keep flying the green, white and blue flag higher,” Kamara said.
“Now it is time to focus on the AFC in Liberia. Team Sierra Leone will soon hold our national championship to select the best team for the Monrovia challenge. I know it will not be easy, but with determination and spending nights finding words, we will definitely achieve our goals,” he added.
Kamara’s performance in England provides a significant boost ahead of the national selection process, as Sierra Leone prepares to assemble its team for the continental Scrabble championship in Liberia.