Sierra Leone attains Guinness World Record

  1. Posted on Friday 4 May 2012 - 09:37
    Murtala
    Image of Murtala
    Murtala Mohammed Kamara, AfricaNews reporter in Freetown, Sierra Leone
    The small West African nation of Sierra Leone is the latest African country to scoop the enviable Guinness World Record. Sierra Leone won the award following an attempt by a synchronized traditional 'Sampa dance'. The 'Sampa Dance' which was performed at the National stadium on the country's 51st Independence anniversary brought together over one thousand dancers.
    Sampa dance
    The record attempt was verified by an official Guinness World Records adjudicator who confirmed that with 1,002 dancers all successfully completing the dance, a new world record had been set.

    The dancers which include mostly school pupils from across the country and other professionals were camped and undergo serious of training ahead of Independence Day.

    The dancers were dressed in the country’s green, white and blue flag and did a spectacular performance to the awe of those present.

    Organizer of the event, Mariatu Kargbo a former Miss Sierra Leone beauty queen reportedly said: “When the record was announced, I cried so much I could not take the certificate. It has been so much work, so much effort and now we have the first Guinness World Record that our country can be proud of."

    The China based catwalk beauty added:"Also, I must thank Guinness World Records for sending their adjudicator to our country for the first time. I hope that our achievement will show that we are a proud and fun loving people and that everyone in the world is welcome to Sierra Leone."

    The minister of tourism and cultural affairs of Sierra Leone, Victoria Sylvia Saidu-Kamara, said: "I am still reflecting on the feeling of excitement from the citizens of Sierra Leone when we made the grade and won the record and the official certificate was issued to Mama Salone.

    I was dancing for joy and even crying with joy for this remarkable achievement for the country. As the first female minister of tourism. I believe strongly that this record organized by Mariatu will make the women of Sierra Leone very proud. Everyone, men, women and children are proud of this achievement."

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