The 9th edition of "Mon histoire du sport" took place at the conference room of the Ouezzin Coulibaly stadium, presided over by Djibril Diby Diarra, the deputy national director of sports and physical education. The event was attended by Sory Diabaté, the general secretary of FEMAKADA. The ceremony featured three prominent figures in karate who shared their experiences with young practitioners.
The event was moderated by Ousmane Sylla, the general secretary of CO-AMSPORT. The three guest speakers were Mme Diarra Fatoumata Diallo, a 4th dan and international referee, Amadou Diallo, a 4th dan and national coach for cadets and juniors, and Mme Aminata Traoré, a 5th dan and president of FEMAKADA's women's commission. They shared their personal stories, highlighting the importance of perseverance and hard work in achieving success in sports.
Mme Diarra Fatoumata Diallo recounted her journey, from discovering karate in Senegal to becoming an international referee. She spoke about the challenges she faced, including skepticism from her community, but emphasized how karate helped her build strength and character. Diallo has won several medals in Mali and abroad and expressed her gratitude to her family, particularly her husband, for their unwavering support.
Amadou Diallo, a multiple-time champion in Mali, shared his experience of starting karate at home and later competing officially in 2001. He highlighted his achievements, including winning numerous medals and dominating his category, and urged young athletes to work hard, prepare for their future, and prioritize their education. Diallo has been appointed to coach the U17 and U20 teams since 2024.
Mme Aminata Traoré, president of FEMAKADA's women's commission, spoke about her early beginnings in karate, despite facing criticism from some family members and peers. She encouraged young athletes to ignore societal prejudices, work diligently, and plan for their post-athletic careers. The panelists' stories aimed to inspire young athletes, emphasizing that success in sports requires discipline, self-improvement, and respect for opponents.
The event was part of a larger program that promotes sports and physical activity in Mali. The Ministry of Youth and Sports has been actively involved in initiatives that support the development of various sports disciplines. Recently, the ministry organized a series of events, including a shou bo vacation program that trained 600 children in the discipline and citizenry.
The gathering concluded with a sense of accomplishment, as the panelists and attendees acknowledged the significance of sharing experiences and learning from one another. Key points from the discussion included the importance of perseverance, hard work, and education in achieving success in sports.
Key points
- The event was dedicated to FEMAKADA, highlighting the organization's efforts to promote karate and associated disciplines in Mali.
- Three prominent figures in karate shared their experiences with young practitioners, emphasizing the importance of discipline and hard work.
- The event aimed to inspire young athletes, providing them with role models and guidance on how to succeed in sports.
