Monrovia – The Sports Writers Association of Liberia (SWAL) has condemned the allocations made for sports development in the 2024 national budget, calling it a mockery.
In a press statement, SWAL expressed disheartenment that sports, particularly football, continue to receive insufficient funding despite the presence of several sporting personalities, including two former Presidents of the Liberia Football Association, Representative Musa H. Bility and Senator Edwin M. Snowe, at the National Legislature.
Of the over US$7 million allocated to the Ministry of Youth and Sports (MYS) in the 2024 national budget, US$150,000 was allotted for both the National Football and the National County Sports Meet (NCSM). Other allocations included:
– Table Tennis Association: US$258Up Country Basketball: US$3,691
– Grassroots Sports Development: US$1,230
– Liberia Chess Federation: US$1,230
– Liberia Volleyball Federation: US$246
– Track and Field: US$246
– Liberia Kickball Federation (LKF): US$738
– National Amputee Team (Africa Triple Champions): US$3,400
– Liberia Karate Federation: US$258
– Liberia Athletic Federation (LAF): US$24,276
– Basketball: US$1,230
– Inter-School Sports Association: US$492
In total, a little over US$337,000 was appropriated for sports, one of the smallest allocations in recent years.
SWAL questioned how legislators, many of whom are high-ranking sports enthusiasts, could approve such meager amounts, such as US$1,230 for basketball and US$150,000 for national football. The organization believes the allocated amounts do not address the financial challenges facing the sporting sector.
SWAL emphasized that sports is a significant area of employment for many young people, both short and long-term, and the government must show a willingness to support the sector. The association lamented that the funds allocated to national teams, as well as the kickball, basketball, and volleyball federations, are insufficient and will further stifle these disciplines.
The Press Union of Liberia (PUL) auxiliary stressed that if the Boakai-Koung leadership is serious about its so-called RESCUE and ARREST agendas, it must take a holistic approach, recognizing the vital role of sports in national development.
SWAL is calling on sports stakeholders to unite and vigorously campaign for increased funding in the next budget.
1 Comment
It’s so amazing and lovely, good initiative Afrik.