-Liberia Kickball Induction Speaker Urges Leaders to Nurture, Invest and Protect Kickball
By Staff Writer
Grand Bassa- The sixth inaugural speaker of the Liberia Kickball Federation (LKF), G. Shardrick Bloyue, has challenged leaders, stakeholders, coaches, club owners and athletes to take greater responsibility for nurturing, investing in and protecting the integrity of kickball.
Speaking Saturday evening during the LKF inauguration at the Bassa Youth Caucus on the Fairgrounds in Buchanan, Bloyue described the occasion as the beginning of a new chapter for Liberian kickball. He pointed to the growing talent of players, commitment of coaches, sacrifices of club owners and increasing passion among supporters as clear indications that the sport is entering an important phase of development.
“The signs are indeed showing,” Bloyue said, stressing that Liberia’s unique position as the country that has institutionalized kickball should be viewed not only with pride, but also with responsibility. He questioned how leaders and stakeholders would help the sport grow and how willing they are to invest in its future.
The Vision Sisters President emphasized that recognition and praise alone cannot build a stronger federation. He called on the new LKF leadership to prioritize player development, improve competitions and create pathways for kickball to gain greater recognition beyond Liberia.
“As much as we need this to be a continuous traditional game, we ourselves must take charge. We must take ownership of our sport and protect it as we would protect our only child. We must nurture it, invest in it, defend its integrity, and create the environment it needs to grow,” Bloyue stated.
The sixth inaugural guest speaker further urged leaders and stakeholders to make continuous investment in players a priority while strengthening institutions, promoting discipline, fairness and teamwork, and creating opportunities for young Liberians through kickball.
He also called for stronger partnerships between the Kickball Federation, government institutions and the private sector, noting that the sustainable growth of the sport will require a collective national effort.
According to Bloyue, kickball is more than a sporting activity; it is a platform for unity, empowerment, leadership, employment, opportunity and national development. He therefore urged the incoming LKF leadership to govern with vision, integrity and inclusiveness.
“Let every county, every club, every coach and every athlete feel that they are part of the future we are building. Let us build a federation that protects the interests of athletes, supports clubs, respects its coaches, values its administrators and gives every young person who loves kickball a reason to dream” he added.
With the sport continuing to gain popularity across Liberia, Bloyue’s message places a clear responsibility on the new leadership and stakeholders: the signs are showing, but the future of kickball will depend on who is willing to take charge.
