Acting Youth and Sports Minister Reaffirms Government's Commitment to Sports Development at LNOC Dinner Honoring IOC Delegation
Acting Youth and Sports Minister Reaffirms Government's Commitment to Sports Development at LNOC Dinner Honoring IOC Delegation
Paynesville, Liberia – The Liberia National Olympic Committee (LNOC) on Monday hosted a dinner at the Cape Hotel in honor of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) delegation following the successful conclusion of a three-day strategic planning and capacity-building workshop aimed at strengthening sports development in Liberia.
Representing the Minister of Youth and Sports, Atty. Cornelia Wonkerleh Kruah, Acting Minister Hon. Laraamand S. Nyonton reaffirmed the Government of Liberia's unwavering commitment to advancing sports as a vital pillar of youth empowerment and national development.
Speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Hon. Nyonton welcomed the IOC delegation and commended the Liberia National Olympic Committee for organizing the strategic workshop, describing it as a significant step toward building a stronger and more sustainable sports sector.
"The Ministry's mandate centers on youth empowerment and the holistic development of our nation's human capital. Sports development is not a separate endeavor—it is a catalyst for everything we do. Through sports, we engage our young people, instill discipline, foster national unity, and equip them with lifelong skills," he said.
The Acting Minister highlighted the historic contribution of the Liberia National Olympic Committee, noting that since its establishment in 1954 and recognition by the International Olympic Committee in 1955, the LNOC has remained the foundation of Liberia's international sporting identity.
He praised Liberia's recent achievements on the international stage, particularly the country's impressive performance at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, where Liberian athletes showcased exceptional talent.
Hon. Nyonton cited Olympian Joseph Fahnbulleh's seventh-place finish in the men's 200 meters, Ebony Morrison's qualification for the women's 100-meter hurdles semifinals, and Liberia's historic qualification in the men's 4x100-meter relay as clear evidence that Liberian athletes can compete among the world's best when provided the necessary support.
He, however, emphasized that sustaining such success requires more than individual talent.
According to the Acting Minister, Liberia must invest in strengthening institutional capacity through coach education, modern sports administration, anti-doping systems, sports science, and technical support to ensure athletes receive the resources needed to excel consistently at the highest level.
He described the visit of the IOC delegation as timely and important, noting that the expertise shared during the workshop will help strengthen the country's sports governance and long-term planning.
Hon. Nyonton also stressed the importance of the Liberia National Olympic Committee's multi-year strategic plan, urging that it be aligned with the Ministry's youth development agenda, school sports programs, and grassroots sports initiatives.
He assured the LNOC of the Ministry's full support in implementing the strategic roadmap, describing it as a shared commitment to creating sustainable pathways that identify, nurture, and develop young Liberian athletes into national and international champions.
The Acting Minister concluded by expressing appreciation to the International Olympic Committee for its continued partnership with Liberia and commended the leadership of the Liberia National Olympic Committee for its dedication to advancing sports development across the country.
The dinner brought together officials of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the Liberia National Olympic Committee, members of the IOC delegation, sports administrators, and other stakeholders committed to the growth and transformation of sports in Liberia.
