08/04/2025
PRESS STATEMENT
Delivered by: Cornelia Wonkerleh Kruah Deputy Minister for Administration, Ministry of State for Presidential Affairs
August 3, 2025
District 13 to March Against Drugs: DARE Movement Officially Announces the “Red Card to Drug” Tournament and District wide Awareness Campaign
Fellow Liberians, residents of District 13, distinguished members of the District 13 Youth Council, members of the press, one and all, A movement is rising—not with fists clenched in protest, but with hearts united in purpose, feet marching in conviction, and communities rallying behind a vision: a drug-free Liberia.
Today, as the founder and proud sponsor of the Drug Awareness and Resistance Education (DARE) Movement, and in close collaboration with the District #13 Youth Council and grassroots leaders, I am honored to officially announce the launch of our newest flagship initiative: “Red Card to Drug: Inter-Community Soccer and Kickball Tournament Against Drug Abuse.
”This is not just another event—it is an ambitious and inspiring campaign designed to combat the rising tide of substance abuse in our communities through the unifying power of sports, education, and civic action.
This bold intervention begins with a Drug Awareness Symposium on August 7, 2025, and culminates in a symbolic March and Grand Official Launch on August 16, followed by a month-long tournament that will transform District #13 into a model of grassroots resistance and youth-driven change.
Not Just a Tournament—A Declaration of Hope At its core, the “Red Card to Drug” tournament is more than competition; it is a community manifesto—a declaration that Liberia’s youth will not be defined by addiction, but by aspiration.
We are bringing together 33 communities in soccer and kickball—a celebration of energy, unity, and resistance.
These games are not just about winning trophies; they’re about defending futures, reviving hope, and reclaiming dreams.
August 16: The March of a Generation On Saturday, August 16, a powerful scene will unfold across District #13.
I invite every Liberian to witness this moment: youth, parents, teachers, survivors, health workers, and reformers—marching shoulder-to-shoulder from Jamaica Road to the New Georgia Nigerian Shop Sports Pitch.
This march will not only signal the official opening of the tournament but reaffirm our collective resolve: that no child should fall to drugs on our watch.
Expect cultural showcases, survivor testimonies, anti-drug messages, and motivational talks from those who have walked the path of addiction and found their way back.
A District at a Crossroads—and a Nation with a Choice District #13, like many urban communities in Liberia, sits at a dangerous intersection—hope and hopelessness, survival and surrender.
Between 2022 and 2023 alone, this district witnessed drug seizures valued at over USD 100 million.
Behind those numbers are broken homes, lost years, and stolen potential.Let me be clear: The fight against drugs is not just a security issue—it is a national emergency of the soul.
We must meet young people where they are—with opportunity, inspiration, and the unshakable message that they matter.
The DARE Model: Prevention Through Participation The DARE Movement, since 2022, has always believed in the power of prevention over punishment.
This initiative will include: Competitive soccer and kickball matches featuring 33 community teams, Certified referees, proper sports gear, and safe facilities.
Medical and emergency teams on-site throughout the tournament - Drug education tents offering counseling and awareness materials - Live music, spoken word, and cultural performances.
Trophies, medals, and awards for excellence, fair play, and leadership. The induction of Youth Ambassadors trained to champion drug resistance in their communities Impact Beyond the Pitch
By the conclusion of this tournament on September 6, we expect to: Heighten public understanding of drug risks and resistance strategies - Empower a new network of youth leaders committed to peer education - Build stronger relationships between communities, health agencies, and law enforcement - Present a replicable model of using sports as a tool for social reform nationwide
A District Invitation: Join the Movement To every resident of District 13—young or old, parent or policymaker, athlete or artist—this is your invitation to stand up, speak out, and play your part.
Join us.
March with us.
Cheer with us.
Build with us.
Because the future of Liberia deserves to be drug-free—or it is not free at all.
