Three suspended sports journalists have rejected claims of misconduct by the Press Union of Liberia and published in news stories in the print and electronic media.

In a joint press statement yesterday in Monrovia Richard Manuba, Molley Trojan Kiazolu and Ms. Sally Gaye, also members of the Sports Writers Association of Liberia (SWAL), said the president of the PUL, Abdulai Kamara does not have the power to suspend them.

They said Mr. Kamara violated Article 29 of the PUL Constitution which states that “A member…must have been complained to the Grievance and Ethics Committee, investigated…and the findings of the investigation filed to the Executive Committee…” which will then make its recommendations, in the face of ethics transgressed.

“With the PUL president grossly violating the Constitution of the Union [Article 29], which should have been a guiding principle with his action, we are giving Mr. Kamara five days to withdraw his press release circulated to some newspapers and radio stations, impugning our hard-earned character,” they noted.

They added, “If the (5 days) elapse and he has not withdrawn his unilateral decision against us, we will take legal action against him…”

“It may be recalled that the leadership reported vice president Jallah E. Grayfield to the Grievance and Ethics Committee to be investigated on allegations of presenting a bogus ‘Educator of the Year’ award to school proprietor David C.B Barshell in 2014. Due process must be exercised in all suspension allegations of the Press Union of Liberia,” the release quoted the three journalists.

They meanwhile vowed to use all available and appropriate means to respond to the harm to their reputation.

The PUL on January 13 suspended the membership of Mr. Manuba, Mr. Kiazolu and Ms. Gaye as a result of an unruly conduct which disrupted normal working activities at the Union’s headquarters, the PUL said in a release.

As the February 11 & 13 first awareness scrabble competition gets closer, top players are gearing up to showcase their might.

The president of the Scrabble Club of the Elites, Phillip Gibson told the Daily Observer in an interview yesterday that the current national scrabble champion, S. Pegasus Musue (Solo) will be in action against several tough contenders.

“He is from the Scrabble Club of Champions, one of several clubs in Monrovia,” he said.

Also coming from Scrabble Club of Champions is Samuel Kallon, known as Knot.

Gibson said the acting president of the National Scrabble Association, Fomba Swaray, (Scrabbler) from Scrabble Club of Elites will also take part in the competition.

Also to be in attendance is Benjamin Harris, who plays under the name BNB, and he comes from the Lakpazee Scrabble Club.

Another player expected is Jonathan Wesley, who plays under the name Ozark.

Gibson said the tournament will be held at the campus of the J. L. Gibson Memorial School on Gurley Street, Monrovia.

He said scrabble is a game of intelligence and players are able to learn how to spell words, from two letters and even words that are known specifically in communities.

He mentioned the Merriam Webster Collegiate Dictionary as the main source that scrabble players use.

“It has 2 letter words, root words as well as 8 letter words suitable for scrabble players,” he said.

He explained that the game improves players’ vocabulary and helps them to speak English fluently.

Gibson, quoting National Scrabble Association president Swaray, said the two-day competition will lead to further competitions in various Monrovia communities to take the game to the people.

He mentioned that in 1994, the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) sponsored a major scrabble competition in Monrovia and provided tee shirts and trophies, along with cash prizes.

Meanwhile, he told the Daily Observer that Chief Justice Francis Kpokpor is an ardent scrabble player, who has supported the National Scrabble Association.

“Justice Kpokpor plays the game and we are hoping that we can get him to identify with our efforts to make scrabble a national past time,” Gibson said.

BYC I head coach, Cooper Sarnor has expressed confidence of winning the 2015/2016 Championship after a crucial 2-1 win over defending football champions Nimba United on Saturday.

The newly employed BYC I head coach said he is not only convinced that his side would win the title race because of the caliber of players, but also of their deadly plots.

Despite being License B holder, Coach Sarnoh said he's better than a License A coach and would win the championship.

It has become a controversial talk over Coach Sarnor with BYC against a "new ruling" from the LFA that this year only License A coaches would be allowed to coach 1st division teams.

BYC challenged the LFA decision and argued that the LFA would begin to effect that on the national team - in which James Debbah and Kelvin Sebwe are License B coaches.

However, BYC I’s win over the weekend put them on top of the 1st division log with six points out of two games.

BYC’s Most Valuable Player and defensive midfielder Junior Barshall raised the curtain in the 45th minute from a straight-tricky shot around the center circle on the Blue Field.

In the 68th minute, Sylvanus Morris increased the tally through a skillful assist from Van Dave Harmon.

Newly signed Folay Sumah from Sierra Leone rotated the score for Nimba United from a scramble ball.

Earlier, Nimba United’s midfield maestro Babu Kollie was sent out of the field owing to a “foul,” and Coach Kollie Korvah described it as a “wise call” and threatened to drop him because of his continuous un-sportsmanship.

Also, at the ATS on Saturday, Watanga and Holder drew 0-0; and LISCR FC convincingly beat Mighty Dragon 6-0.

In the opening games fortnight ago, BYC convincing beat Keitrace FC 4-0, a score-line, which the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of BYC Football, Robert Sirleaf called a “Statement made from BYC.”

The 2015 LFA champions and LPRC Oilers settled to a 2-2 draw, including LISCR and Watanga; and Holders and ELWA United.

FC Fassell narrowly whipped Mighty Dragon 1-0.

Yesterday – Sunday, January 31, ELWA also convincingly thrashed Keitrace 4-0; and FC Fassell led LPRC 1-0 up to press time.

Former LISCR FC defender Richard Pratt, popularly known as ‘Onunu’ has congratulated Coach Robert Lartey for his 6-0 convincing win over Mighty Dragons on Saturday and has expressed satisfaction of the club’s new pattern of play, describing it as “Pello Plot.”

Onunu said he is convinced that LISCR FC would again pull the highest number goals in this tournament as in the recent past league, and would also clinch the title.

LISCR FC is currently second on the 1st Division log with four points and eight goals.

Since 1995, LISCR FC has grabbed the 1st division championship twice, 2011 and 2012.

Onunu said with the inclusion of Trokon Myers and Malachi Coker from BYC and Theo Nimely from Jubilee, who have quickly adapted to Coach Pello’s plot system.

It may be recalled that Coach Pella has challenged LISCR to step up their defensive efforts as they looked to achieve their first home win record against Mighty Dragons last Saturday.

The Coach warned his LISCR FC defenders of Mighty Dragons’ strength on counter-attack ahead of Saturday's encounter at ATS.

“In order for players to fit the system, every good team must have competition in order to succeed,” Coach Pello said.

Ahead of the encounter against Dragons the LISCR manager hoped that featuring his three new signings would help his system.

The three started with Malach at the right back, Trokon in the attacking force and Theo in the midfield.

The head coach of the national U-14 team, Varma Kpoto, is calling on Liberian sports lovers to invest in youth football to ensure the country prepares better for the future.

He made the call when he visited a training session at the Monrovia Football Academy (MFA), on Blue Field sports pitch in Monrovia.

“I was very much impressed with these kids from age 10 playing constructively. This shows that we need lots of support for youth football,” Coach Kpoto noted.

He added, “Young players are the foundation for a better football tomorrow and therefore we need to invest in them.”

The visit was part of a program by Liberia Football Association to monitor young football players in and around Monrovia.

Accompanied by Deputy Coach Jonah Sarwieh, the former Lone Star player called on the kids to remain disciplined and take their lessons seriously.

Coach Kpoto said one can never succeed in the soccer arena without discipline.

“If you want to become a professional player, then you have to be disciplined and you must focus on your education,” Mr. Kpoto noted.

The head of faculty of the MFA, Musa P. Sheriff, thanked Coach Kpoto and his deputy for the visit that he said will encourage the kids.

“We are thankful whenever visitors such as former national team players and high profile football stakeholders come to encourage the kids,” he said.

Sheriff used the occasion to call on parents to take advantage of the Academy to register their kids who want to play soccer, especially females. There are currently 30 students attending the MFA, with majority being males.

The Monrovia Football Academy was established in 2015 to provide quality education and professional football coaching to talented Liberian youth from ages 9-12.

MFA presently conducts its academic activities at the Conqueror Christian Foundation and football training at the Blue Field soccer pitch, owned by LFA 1st division side BYC.

FC BYC has moved to the top of the 1st division table, routing arch-rival LISCR FC 1-0 at the Blue Field on Wednesday, while FC Fassell is tightly closed with goal difference, winning 1-0 over Mighty Dragon at the Antoinette Tubman Stadium.

FC BYC and Fassell have 10 points each, and five-point lead, while defending football champions Nimba United is 3rd with five points, followed by LPRC Oilers, LISCR FC and ELWA United.

FC BYC 2015 Most Valuable Player and central midfielder Junior Barshall scored his regular but ludicrous goal - flicking the ball over a hapless defender and into the net in the 59th minute beyond the 18-yard box. It marked his fourth goal in four matches.

Midfielder Barshall told journalists that his skill, shots and goals are meant to put pressure on strikers.

"I don't only like to pass the ball, I also like to score, and it is that kind of pressure I want to put on our strikers," he said, smiling.

In the early minutes LISCR's lanky midfielder Stephen Seameh blew away an opportunity which could have begun the pressure on BYC.

BYC wonder boy's older brother, Abraham Barshall and Sam Jadoe as well as Malachi Coker and Dominic Jarteh sent some of their balls wide while others were stopped by goalie Mulbah Urey.

Winger James Richardson and skipper Julius Nah were the "men of the match" for LISCR, and it could have been better if Coach Robert Lartey had used some of the younger players, including Sanney Carlos and Fred Brooks.

LISCR goalie Prince Wlame is part of the cause for Barshall's ridiculous goal but his magnificent performance could be considered as "covering his share of the wrong."

FC BYC would not have succeeded if it was the quartet midfielders - attacking midfielder Prince Saydee, central midfielders Junior Barshall and Benjamin Gbamy and defensive midfielder Gideon Williams.

Also, goalie Mulbah Urey would not be excluded.

LISCR Coach Robert Lartey expressed disappointment on the defeat to his former team - BYC, and especially on two consecutive times.

"I am disappointed, but that's the game and I hope to make a comeback," Coach Lartey, alias Coach Pello said.

For his part, Coach Cooper Sarnoh said the victory meant that his players are "understanding the pattern" and reiterated his conviction of clinching the 2015/2016 LFA Championship.

"I’m happy....very happy and optimistic of winning the title....," Coach Sarnoh smiled.

Elsewhere at the ATS, Fassell potent striker Eddie Wulue's 26th minute goal was enough to axed ELWA United to bond with BYC at 10 points. Also at the ATS on Wednesday, Holder whipped Mighty Dragon 3-1.

On Tuesday, Watanga and Oilers drew 1-1; as well as Nimba United and Keitrace 1-1. The 2015/2016 LFA League will resume next week.

Benjamin Harris (BnB) defeated Roland J. Boykai (HERB) 2-0 (477-406 and 473-236 points) in the finals of the two-day (Feb. 11 & 13) first national awareness scrabble tournament organized by the National Scrabble Association of Liberia (NSAL).

Held at the J. L. Gibson Memorial School on Gurley Street, Monrovia, Joseph Gegeh (T4N) defeated J. B. Boima Kiazolu Sr., (Tarzan) 2-0 in two games to clinch 3rd place.

For the awards, BnB received a cash prize of L$3, 500; second place prize of L$2, 500 went to HERB; third place prize of L$1, 500 went to T4N and the final prize of L$1, 000 went to Tarzan.

The acting president of the National Scrabble Association, Fomba Swaray, said during the presentation of the prizes that the association is planning a series of tournaments that will be climaxed by a national tournament.

“We are determined to take ourselves serious and better give scrabble its due recognition in the country,” Swaray, who plays under the name ‘Scrabbler’ said.

He said the money used to award the winners came from fellow scrabbler, Kanio B. Gbalar.

Swaray said his administration is endeavoring to gain national and international recognition that will ensure the progressive development of scrabble in the country.

Contributing, Philip Gibson (Master G), who participated in the tournament and whose premises were used for the tournament, said the successful completion of the tournament was a good sign of progress.

“We must continue to elevate scrabble to another level where we can get it to schools in the country,” Gibson said.

Meanwhile responding after he received the first place award, Harris (BnB) expressed appreciation for the prizes and said it was meant to encourage the members, but the real motivator was the love for the scrabble.

“We want scrabble to be national game that is played nationally and internationally,” Harris said. There were 35 participants in the tournament. Some of players were varney A. Freeman (Boffin), Brima Cooper (BC), Snosio Twegbay (ExFire) and Alvin Roberts (Wizard).

Others were Cephus Ross (Blade), Malek V. Al Sherif (Topaz), Daniel Harris (Danio), Alex Jackson (Proxy), Jonathan Wesley (Ozark), Lemuel Gibson (Lem), Alex Kamara, (Boss), among others.

Cameroonian champions, Union Duala, had a God-sent 35 minutes of soccer that they did not overlook.

And with three easy goals wrapped up comfortably in their closet, local idols, Nimba United, playing against the odds, discovered that poor defensive work and an unprepared goalkeeping were their undoing.

And so former Senator Adolphus Dolo left from his seat and offered some tidbits, the truth came out that changes were needed at the backline, including the goalkeeper.

When that was done and the Liberian side, already down 3-0, returned to conclude the final session, the game took on a new dimension.

For the next 45 minutes, the Liberians had the game and dictated the trend. But why did they wait until the damage was done? How did it happen that the technical team could not see the danger as three ‘cheap goals’ went beyond the goalkeeper on three occasions? What was the disconnection that a team playing at home lost touch with reality and just waited for the end to come?

But since President Sirleaf’s presence on the field did not change the trend of the game, in the first 40 minutes, the players coming out in full force to call off Union Duala’s nonsense and put stop to the number of goals was impressive.

It was clear that the Liberian side did not lose any of their artistic and clever handling of the ball that the second half brought out and climaxed with their consolation goal that actually should have been the only goal in the match.

Halting their opponents’ aggression and scoring at least one goal indicated to disappointed soccer fans that something great could come out of Nimba United’s game, if things had not gone against them.

True, the Cameroonians will not be too stupid to lose the opportunity that poor goalkeeping and defense work handed to them on a silver platter and so the only thing that United can do is to get ready to go all out against the Cameroonians. They must sell their brand of soccer and what they did in the second half yesterday, let them run after the ball.

With Liberian teams’ recent exploits in the sub-region, Cameroonians were shocked at the results and after the shock is over, will be waiting for the return leg to complete the victory celebration, already began in Monrovia.

Another impressive show of Nimba United was the fact even when they were down 3-0 they were undaunted and fought for their honor, which they got to get them prepared for the return-leg in Cameroon.

Liberia’s oldest football club - the Invincible Eleven & Majestic Sports Association (IE&MSA) has declined to participate in the ongoing 2015/2016 Liberia Football Association league (LFA).

Mr. Alfred Sayon, the president of IE, said the team is unprepared to participate in the 2015/2016 LFA League, and would therefore give a “bye” owing to the belated overturn of the decision to restore the team’s participation in the League.

The IE boss further said the ‘Sunshine Yellow Boys’ would not participate because of financial reasons.

It may be recalled that the First Instant Board of the LFA disqualified five football clubs from participating in the 2015/2016 League for failing to meet the CAF Club Licensing System requirements.

Those expelled included IE, NPA, Monrovia Club Breweries, Small Town and Might Blue Angels.

In an exclusive interview with the Daily Observer, Sayon said IE has written the LFA over their nonparticipation in the league because of several causes, primarily - the overhaul of the team and the re-establishment of its fan base.

“Traditionally, we solicit funds from our US based chapter and amongst ourselves to support the team, but with such time over the reconsideration of our participation, it’s late and therefore, we cannot participate in the league,” Mr. Sayon said.

The Pen-Pen Peace Network ended a four-team motorcyclist’s peace sports tournament in the Old Road Community. It involved ludo, checker and soccer.

The Country Director of the network, Grace Y. Mayson, said the initiative was meant to foster a relationship between the community, pen-pen riders and the Liberia National Police as Liberia prepares for general and presidential elections.

“The initiative targeted motorcyclists in Montserrado County but will be extended to other counties,” she said.

She said the program provided different kinds of motivational messages for motorcyclists to help transform their minds from engaging in activities that have the propensity to lead to violence.

Mrs. Mayson said before coming into the current initiative, the network was one of the first groups to position barrels from the old Health Ministry to Duport Road junction to help in the eradication of the Ebola virus disease, as well as providing anti Ebola materials.

“We also educated them on the need to do better dressing before going into the field, like wearing shoes,” she said.

She further explained that during the Ebola crisis, the network first created awareness on hygiene and the need for motorcyclists to build good relationship with their clients.

The series of games brought people together to share and play.

Not many of Liberia’s soccer players benefited from soccer education through an academy, but they have become successful and they are called on to represent the country.

To grow up through an academy provides a structured upbringing where the youngster learns the elements of soccer by developing his individual talents. Today, there are thousands of talented young soccer players in the country who can benefit from a structured soccer education through an academy.

Of course, FIFA 1995 Ballon D'or Winner, George Weah, who sets the trail for many young Liberian players, did not have the opportunity to graduate from a soccer academy; he succeeded because of his passion and the support he got during his time.

Moreover, sports journalists made it their duty to promote talented youngsters, which encouraged their development. Currently, there is a newly established soccer academy in Monrovia that hosts at least 30 soccer students. The Monrovia Football Academy (MFA) is yet to have its own home-ground but is prepared and working to achieve that. It has a qualified staff of soccer technicians that include coaches.

The MFA was established in 2015 to provide quality soccer education to underprivileged and talented kids between the ages 9-12. It presently uses the Blue Field sports pitch owned by LFA national 1st division side BYC.

The MFA students are both males and females and they undergo skills training, individual tactics and are guided by professional coaches.

One of the coaches is Sekou Dgeorges Manubah, co-founder & head football coach, (known as Georgie). At a young age, he traveled to Oman and played as a center midfielder for Al-Seeb FC, Al-Tali'aa FC, and Al-Salam SC. After he left Oman, Georgie traveled to Vietnam and played for Binh Duong FC. He returned to Liberia in 2015 before moving on to Myanmar to play for Hantharwady United.

Throughout his professional career, Georgie said he has occasionally returned home to play for the national team. In addition, he has given back to his local community by coaching youth teams. Now that he has moved on from his professional career, Georgie is excited to be fulfilling his lifelong dream of coaching at the first football school in Liberia.

The MFA also supports initiatives that enable talented young athletes to be inspired by top professionals. Even the current U-14 national soccer coach Varmah Kpoto has acknowledged MFA’s contribution to the development of young talents in the country.

“I was very impressed with ten-year-olds playing constructively. This shows that we need lots of support for youth football,” Coach Kpoto said recently during a training visit. Since the future depends on young talents, there can be no argument that providing materials and other assistance to MFA and such academies can surely be the gateway to Liberia’s progress in the development of football.

“Young players are the foundation for a better football and therefore we need to invest in them,” Kpoto said, which is what well-meaning Liberians can do for the future of soccer in the country.

The National Junior Tennis & Learning of Trenton is a non-profit organization that provides tennis, education and life skills to youth.

“It’s a really nice program. I like it. People take care of me here. I never imagined anything like this when I came to Trenton,” said Alfred Kandakai Jr.

Kandakai, a 15-year-old sophomore at Trenton High, another jewel in the success-crusted NJTL crown, recalled an interesting past.

In 2013, Alfred Sr. eventually forwarded his son to Trenton to live with his mother, Yeato, and three younger sisters, Joydely, Sajely, and Faith. And the rest, as frequently said, is history.

Kandakai, whose father taught tennis in Liberia, arrived in the U.S. with superior tennis skills, talents that earned him a three-week stay at Sanchez-Casal Academy in Naples, Florida, before he arrived in New Jersey’s state capital.

Kandakai discovered the NJTLT when his stepfather ushered him there to connect with an organization that breeds success.

“Playing tennis was a struggle in Liberia. So, for me to come here, play tennis and go to school, get good education and play against good players is really beneficial for me,” Kandakai explained.

His arrival to Trenton ranks as incredibly special but his story with the NJTL resembles that of many players who found this cradle of love.

For instance, Michelle Gbelama, the NJTLT program director, did not start playing tennis until her high school junior season. The NJTLT helped her find the passion for working and winning as her determination backed by love and support, vaulted her to Drew University stardom.

Gbelama became the first female from Drew to win the NJAIAW as she claimed two MVP awards for the Rangers. Gbelama excelled in the classroom and on the courts as Drew’s No. 1 singles player also starred on the Rangers’ No. 1 doubles team.

The records extend into many categories but just the fact that she returned home to help others signifies that NJTLT made an indelible mark. (Source: Trentonian newspaper).

Registration for the 2016/17 national handball league has begun in five counties, according to a release from the Liberia National Handball Association (LNHA).

The counties are Montserrado, Grand Bassa, Margibi, Bomi and Grand Cape Mount.

“Registration started on March 1 to end on 31st and the league will officially start on Friday, April 22 in locations in those five counties,” the release said.

The tournament will be in both male and female divisions and the concentration is in schools, the release said, “We want to play handball in every county and not only in Monrovia.”

According to the release registration fees are Ld2,000 for both male and female elementary school teams; Ld3,000 for both male and female teams in each junior high school and Ld5,000 for both male and female teams in each senior high school.

“We encourage all schools that have received our registration forms to complete them and get them back to us,” the release, signed by Secretary General J. Othello Gaye, said.

Meanwhile, there will be a handball seminar, described as Handball@School course this year and it will be staged in three different venues and each venue will last for three days.

According to a letter from the International Handball Federation (IHF) in Switzerland, the Liberia National Handball Association (LNHA) should select appropriate date after April to conclude official arrangement and approval for the seminar.

The LNHA originally selected March 21-26 or June 2-7 which the IHF says are busy schedules for its experts and therefore dates beyond June are preferable.

The Liberia Athletics Federation (LFA) has announced the calendar of event for the 2016 National High School Championship.

The head coach of the LAF, Samuel C. Cooper, said this year’s championship will run from Friday – Saturday, (March 25-26) in Fendell, Montserrado County.

Coach Cooper stated that 32 high schools, in and around Monrovia, have received invitations to participate.

He indicated that 15 out of the 32 schools have confirmed their participation and would provide four athletes to form a team representing their respective institutions.

“The championship is also intended to select potential players that can represent the nation,” Coach Cooper noted.

He added, “We will have four athletes representing each institution in the 100m, 200m, 400m and 800m runs as well as the long jump.”

Meanwhile, the LAF head coach disclosed that the national track team is inactive due to lack of financial support.

“Presently, we only have two senior athletes, Abraham Harris in the 100 meters and Kedmiel Enders, a high jumper who are training, so we need financial support to enable us restore the athletic team,” he said.

A two man high power football delegation from European Football Governing body (UEFA) is due in Liberia from March 22 to 23, to discuss UEFA’s cooperation with the Liberia Football Association.

The delegation will be headed by UEFA’s Deputy and current Acting Secretary General Theodore Theodoridis and Urs Kluser Integrity Officer, Legal Affairs/Disciplinary Services.

A release from the LFA yesterday said the two-man UEFA delegation will discuss future cooperation with the Liberian FA in all aspect of football development.

The coming of the UEFA delegation to Liberia followed discussions held between LFA President Musa Bility and newly elected FIFA President Gianni Infantino on the margins of last week’s FIFA Congress in Zurich.

The LFA President reportedly played an influential role in deciding the outcome of the FIFA presidential polls.

President Bility is excited about the upcoming visit and said it will help Liberia reach a higher mark in its football development program, the release said.

Liberia’s best FIFA badge referee, Isaac Montgomery is expected to lead a team of Liberian referees to officiate the crucial 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier between Mauritania and the Gambia on March 25.

Following their failure to officiate in the CAF Club competition preliminary, the local league best referee Montgomery along with three other Liberian match officials have been given a Nation’s Cup engagement by the Confederation of African Football.

Montgomery, Elisha Johnson, Francis Sannoh and Jerry Yekeh will handle the first leg match between Mauritania and Gambia at the Office Du Complexe Olympique of Nouakchott.

Montgomery will serve as center referee, while his compatriots Johnson and Sannoh will run the lines as assistant referees one and two respectively and Jerry Yekeh will serve as fourth official.

They are expected to depart the country for Nouakchott, Mauritania a week prior to the match. Their trip to Mauritania will be the second assignment for Liberian referees after the Ebola crisis.

Last year, four Liberian referees handled a U-23 Africa Cup of Nations qualification match between the Leone Stars of Sierra Leone and Guinea-Bissau.

Despite the absence of budgetary allocation in the 2015/2016 National Budget, the Intra-Governmental League will still be staged as planned, the Ministry of Youth and Sports has confirmed.

Usually, at least US$15,000 is allotted for the Intra-Government, formerly Inter-Ministerial League, a tournament that that brings together all line ministries, agencies, public corporations and other branches of government together through various sporting disciplines.

The Ministry clarified that it would still host the Intra-Governmental League amidst rumor of cancellation because of the lack of budgetary allocation.

Making the confirmation over the weekend Assistant Youth and Sports Minister for Sports, Murvee Gray said the participants have agreed to underwrite the cost of the tournament.

He said due to the budgetary shortfall national government did not allocate any amount for the competition, but confirmed that ministries, agencies and public corporations that want to compete in the tournament have agreed to register with US$500 in other to help the Ministry organize the tournament.

He revealed that about 32-teams have expressed interest in participating.

Minister Gray said the tournament is expected to kick off on March 22 and the Ministry has earmarked the Barrack Young Controller Sports Pitch and the Willis Knuckles Sports Pitch in Zubah Town Duport Road for the competition.

He said despite criticism from some quarters that the competition has no significance; the Sports Ministry believes the tournament plays a major role in recreation, arguing that it helps to keep public servants healthy and allow junior staff to interact with senior staff.

“Exercise plays a vital role in the existence of human beings. Some of these government employees, mainly ministers and directors don’t have the time to exercise so the tournament provides that. When you are sick doctors tell you to exercise, when you are suffering from paralysis doctors tell you to exercise, so that is the intent of this tournament,” Minister Gray added.

He said even though the amount that will be generated from the registration process may not be enough to run the tournament the Ministry will look forward for sponsorship.

Meanwhile, it may be recalled that Deputy Sports Minister Henry Yonton said the tournament would be limited to football and kickball.

In the 2015 Intra-Governmental League, eight public institutions separately participated, in special tournament to celebrate the victory over the deadly Ebola Virus Disease (EVD).

President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has said she is quite honored and described as an unexpected pride the decision by the West African Football Union (WAFU) Congress to name the regional tournament in her honor; adding it is not for an honor bestowed on me but a recognition of the LFA’s leadership, the country and football enthusiasts.

According to an Executive Mansion release, President Sirleaf was speaking in Monrovia over the weekend when a high-powered delegation led by LFA President, Mr. Musa Hassan Bility formally presented an official communication on the decision of the WAFU just ended Congress held in Dakar, Senegal – conferring the WAFU Tournament in honor of the Liberian leader.

President Sirleaf termed the decision as a rallying cause for Liberia to reach out to the private sector and development partners with a view to using it to Liberia’s advantage towards the development of the skills, talents and sports infrastructure. She said despite challenges faced by the national team amid some success, it was encouraging that Liberian-based Club teams were out there trying to compete.

She lauded LFA President, Musa Bility and the entire leadership of the Football Association and pledged her administration’s support in working with her colleagues in the sub-region to ensure a successful tournament.

Earlier, LFA President Musa Bility said he was pleased to inform President Sirleaf of the decision emanating from the WAFU Congress held in Dakar, Senegal – thus unanimously naming the regional tournament in the Liberian Chief Executive’s honor.

The LFA boss said WAFU Secretariat anchored its determination in favor of President Sirleaf based on her leadership at the national, regional and global stage. Mr. Bility said applications from both Nigeria and Togo posed no challenge to the Congress’ unanimous action in favor of Liberia. The tournament commences October 29, which coincides with President Sirleaf’s 76th birthday.

According to the FA President, the WAFU tournament has over the last 15 years not been named in honor of any particular distinguished personality; noting the late Togolese President, Gnassingbe Eyadema was last regional leader in whose honor the tournament was named.

Thousands of Americans and others residing in Dallas - Ft. Worth, Texas in the United States are gearing up to participate in the 3rd Annual Dallas Easter Run on March 26 with the proceeds going toward The Last Well to complete the construction of wells in Liberia.

Information reaching the Daily Observer indicates that residents will participate in a 4 Mile Run/Walk and a 1 Mile Family Run/Walk. There is also the Water Walk Challenge that participants can take before, during or after the race.

The Water Walk Challenge engages the participant to know what it feels like to carry water even a short distance just like children in Liberia do every day. “They can carry a jerry can of water for one block, a mile, or even the entire four mile route,” officials said.

“The Last Well's mission is to provide access to clean water for the entire nation of Liberia, border to border, and offer the Gospel to every person we serve, by the end of 2020,” Founder and CEO Dr. Phillips said.

Dr. Phillips and the rest of the Last Well staff will be in the race! He told his staff, “We'll all be left in his dust. So, show up and put him in his place!”

The Last Well, a Christian organization has completed over 1,500 clean water projects all across Liberia, including projects in Montserrado, Margibi, Bong, Nimba, Bomi, Lofa, Grand Kru, Grand Gedah and River Gee.

By the end of 2016, three counties will enjoy 100% access to clean water - Bong, Bomi, and Grand Kru, with the other 12 counties to be completed between January 2017 and December 2020, a release said.

Meanwhile, Dr. Phillips’ recently appointed Global Goodwill Ambassador, Liberia-born Doc Lawson, who played professional soccer in the United States, is expected to be in the country from March 16 to August 3 to review The Last Well’s clean water projects that have been completed since late 2008.

Ambassador Lawson is returning after 40 years in the United States.

As a former professional soccer player in the US, Doc also wants to bring sports ministry to the communities served with water and the Gospel through an ongoing partnership with the Liberia YMCA.

Victories from the dual away and home matches against Djibouti could possibly cancel Liberia’s 14 year drought in the African of Cup Nations (CAN).

This dream can become a reality if a group of local and foreign based players are selected to produce the magical wand, and the recall of midfielder Theo Weeks to join Anthony Laffor, Zah Kranga and Dioh William. The call-up of the terrible trio, William Jebor, Sam Johnson and Patrick Wleh, could make a big difference.

Meanwhile, Liberia’s former celebrated star turned coach, James Salinsa Debbah, has recalled 19 foreign based players for the two games against Djibouti.
The General Secretary of the Liberia Football Association (LFA), Emmanuel Deah, said the games are scheduled for Thursday, March 24, in Djibouti City, Djibouti and in Monrovia, on Thursday, March 29, at the ATS.

According to an LFA release 10 of the players are plying their trade in Europe, six in Asia and two are playing in Africa.

Notable among the invited players are strikers William Jebor, Sam Johnson and Patrick Wleh, while the midfielders are Anthony Laffor, Zah Kranga and Theo Weeks, who is making his return to the national team after a long absence.

Coach Debbah has also called up five local players to complete a strong 25 man squad for the two games.

The full list: Goalkeepers: Tommy Sango, Sampson Giddings and Ghalley James. Defenders: Solomon Grimme, Trokon Zeon, Gizzie Dorbor, Hilton Varney, Teah Dennis, Dirkir Glay, Omega Roberts and Alvin Macconough.

Midfielders: Alseny Keita, Dulee Johnson, Anthony Laffor, Theo Weeks, Dioh Williams, Zah Kranga, Tonia Tisdell, Kpah Sherman, Melvin George and Michael Maccauley.

Strikers: William Jebor, Sam Johnson, Patrick Wleh and Sekou Conneh.