05/10/2025
Speech delivered last night at the SWAL 39th Anniversary in Ganta by Mr. Gonkartee Dekpah , Liberia Chess Federation President .
Occasion marking the 39th Anniversary Celebration of the Sports Writers Association of Liberia (SWAL)
Theme: “Celebrating 39 Years of Promoting Sports and National Unity”
Distinguished guests, members of the sporting community, esteemed sports journalists, government officials, partners, ladies and gentlemen:
Good evening.
It gives me great joy and honor to stand before you today as we celebrate thirty-nine years of the Sports Writers Association of Liberia (SWAL) thirty-nine years of service, sacrifice, and steadfast commitment to the growth and promotion of sports in our beloved country.
Tonight, we gather not only to celebrate an anniversary, but to pay tribute to a legacy a legacy built on passion, professionalism, and purpose.
Appreciation to SWAL
Let me begin by expressing, on behalf of the sporting community and the nation at large, our deepest appreciation to SWAL for their immense contribution to sports development in Liberia.
For nearly four decades, you have been the voice behind the games, the storytellers who shine the light on our athletes, teams, and federations. You have celebrated our victories and held us accountable in times of challenge. You have kept the spirit of sports alive through your reporting, your advocacy, and your resilience.
SWAL has played and continues to play an indispensable role in shaping public opinion, promoting transparency, and inspiring national pride through sports. Your work is not just journalism, it is nation-building.
To every member, past and present, we say thank you. Liberia is proud of you.
The Importance of Sports
Sports is one of the greatest unifiers known to humanity. It is a powerful tool for peace, development, and national unity.
In Liberia, we have seen how sports can lift a nation’s spirit even in the most difficult times. When our national teams take the field, the noise of division is silenced. We stand together, united by a common dream and a shared identity.
Beyond unity, sport teaches discipline, teamwork, perseverance, and respect. It creates jobs, empowers youth, and offers a pathway out of poverty. It helps reduce crime and drug abuse by channeling youthful energy into positive action.
Simply put, sport is not just recreation, it is transformation.
The Types of Sports in Liberia
While football remains the heartbeat of our nation, we must also recognize and celebrate the many other sporting disciplines that are contributing to our national development.
Across Liberia, young men and women are excelling in basketball, volleyball, athletics, boxing, table tennis, chess, kickball, taekwondo, para-sports, and many more.
Each of these sports deserves recognition and support. Each provides a platform for talent, inclusion, and inspiration. Every athlete whether on the football pitch, the court, or the chessboard carries the flag of Liberia with pride and honor.
Let us broaden our horizon and invest in all sports, so that every talent finds room to grow.
Decentralization of Sports in Liberia
For sports to truly thrive, it must go beyond Monrovia. Decentralization is key to discovering and nurturing the next generation of Liberian champions.
In every county from Nimba to Maryland, from Lofa to Grand Kru there are young talents waiting to be seen, waiting for an opportunity to shine.
We must take infrastructure, training, and tournaments to our counties. We must empower local sports associations and give every community the chance to participate meaningfully.
When sport is decentralized, it becomes inclusive, and when it is inclusive, it becomes stronger.
Let us therefore work hand in hand with the government, private sector, and civil society to build a national sports system that serves everyone, everywhere.
Society Should Embrace Sports and Support Sports Journalists
As we reflect on SWAL’s 39-year journey, one message must be clear: society must embrace sports and fully support sports journalists.
Our sports writers are not just reporters; they are advocates, educators, and ambassadors of the game. They tell stories that inspire dreams, they document our history, and they hold stakeholders accountable to higher standards.
Yet, their work is often underappreciated and under-resourced. We must change that.
Government, institutions, and partners must invest in the sports media to provide training opportunities, modern tools, and fair recognition. When we empower sports journalists, we strengthen the entire sports sector.
To our people, embrace sports not as mere entertainment, but as a pillar of national progress. Support our athletes, our associations, and especially our journalists who keep the flame of sports burning across Liberia.
Conclusion
As we celebrate this 39th anniversary, let us recommit ourselves to a shared vision. A vision of a vibrant, inclusive, and united sports community where every voice matters, every talent counts, and every story is told.
To SWAL, congratulations on this historic milestone. Your work matters, your voice matters, and your future is bright.
May we continue to use sports as a force for unity, growth, and pride.
Long live SWAL!
Long live Liberian sports!
And long live the Republic of Liberia!
Thank you.
