The Executive Committee of the Liberia Kickball Federation (LKF) on Wednesday, February 25 honored an invitation from the Ministry of Youth and Sports for an acquaintance meeting with Minister Atty. Cornelia Wonkerleh Kruah and her leadership team forged a stronger collaborative path for the future of Liberia’s only traditional league, the kickball.
The meeting, held at the Minister’s conference room provided a platform for the LKF Executives to congratulate the Minister and outline the strategic priorities, achievements, and challenges facing kickball in Liberia.
Speaking at the meeting, the President of the Liberia Kickball Federation Amb. Emmanuel Suprise Whea stressed that government intervention is vital to the development of kickball in Liberia noting that it is the second most popular sport in the country.
Amb. Whea noted that while the LKF continues to strive to develop coaches, referees, and young athletes, support from the national government would widen the impact of kickball development across the country.
The LKF President named decentralization of Kickball in 10 counties, introduction of League III and the Old Timers as success stories for the Federation.
Amb. Emmanuel Suprise Whea stressed the need for the upgrading of the pitch to an all girls sports park something he said will bring relief and change the dynamic that will enable the privacy of players highly promoted.
At the same time, the Liberia Kickball Federation has extended olive to Youth and Sports Minister at their official Jamboree and Super Cup games this weekend while urging with an appeal for a bus that players will use during their league games.
Meanwhile, the Federation is calling on Minister Kruah to intervene in the Lottery Authority final payment and LKF Referees County Meet outstanding balance payment as pressure continues to mount for salary and arrears.
In response, Youth and Sports Minister Atty. Cornelia Wonkerleh Kruah expressed commitment to improving the relationship between the Ministry and Kickball Federation.
Speaking about the kickball pitch, Minister Kruah disclosed that to yield faster results, the pitch will be included under the overall renovation of the complex that will revamp, reshape and beautify the playing pitch for the girls to better up their talents.
Minister Cornelia Wonkerleh Kruah noted that the Deputy Minister Andy and the LKF leadership will sought out the usage of the SKD stadium by the Federation during crucial league matches.
The Youth and Sports Minister also disclosed that she will engage the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Department to explore collaboration opportunities that will allow young women in the Kickball Federation to benefit from vocational and technical training programs.
The Youth and Sports boss maintained that going forward, the LKF should engage not only her ministry but Gender and Tourism for the overall goal of the Federation.
The LKF delegation included President Amb. Emmanuel Suprise Whea, LKF 1st Vice President Victor Gleplay, Secretary-General Abu Fofana, LKF Treasure Janneh Blama, Old Timers Representative Maye Bosto, Emma Jackson McCarthy, and Naomi S. Harris as Secretary General and President for Ask Sisters I & II.
