The newly-constructed facility was built in Godrich and features the Henry Moore Audiotirum in recognition of the governing body's former President who pioneed the idea.

Sports including wrestling, judo, taekwondo, karate and fencing are now set to be held there.

"I am lost for words as was not expecting this," said Moore, who attended the opening. 

"It is a great honour for me and I hope this centre will produce great talent for this nation."

OlympAfrica is a foundation owned by the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa, which is supported by the International Olympic Committee.

It was set-up to get more young people across Africa involved in sport and to develop sport at grassroots level.

Alhassan Thierno Diack, the organisation's chief executive, said any NOC business was strictly banned.

"What we will not tolerate in the centre is any political meetings nor NOC-SLE offices, this venue is for the kids," he said.

"They own the venue, we need to help them grow.

"We don't need fighting in sports. 

"This facility is not built for political meetings or infighting, all we need to see is the development of young and talented kids."

Sierra Leone is still waiting for its first Olympic medal of any colour and sent a team of four athletes to Rio 2016.

Hafsatu Kamara reached the quarter-finals of the women's 100 metres after winning her heat, but then finished eighth and did not progress any further.

Ishmail Kamara did not advance from the first round of the men's 100m, while two swimmers, Osman Kamara and Bunturabie Jalloh, both failed to get past their first races.

The swimmers competed in the men's and women's 50m freestyle respectively.