By S. Siapha Mulbah
Liberia’s Ambassador-at-Large for Youth and Sports Development, Alioune Kebe, has donated 20 high quality soccer balls to the Liberia Old-timers National Sports Association (LONA), in fulfillment of a commitment made to the group.
The presentation ceremony took place at the Ministry of Youth and Sports edifice as part of ongoing efforts by the Ambassador to support and empower various sectors within the country’s sports community.
According to him the donation is part of a broader initiative to include all categories of athletes in the national sports development agenda, including veterans.
He said his office remains committed to engaging with strategic groups like LONA to enhance their activities.
“This is just the beginning,” Kebe stated. “We are committed to continuing our collaboration with LONA and exploring more ways to support their programs and long-term development.”
Stakeholders in the Old-timers association confirmed that the donation was made on a timely basis following a series of discussions between the Ambassador at Large office and officials of LONA.
The footballs are expected to be used in the association’s ongoing league and other fitness activities aimed at keeping retired athletes rigorously engaged in the ball game as a way of maintaining an inclusive game rate among all citizens.
Youth and Sports Minister, Jeror Cole Bangalu, commended Ambassador Kebe for the gesture while receiving the items on behalf of LONA.
The Minister recounted the activity of Ambassador Kebe and honored his commitment and continuous support to sports including helping hands extended to veteran athletes.
“Thank you, Ambassador Kebe, for always thinking about how to support this sector,” said Minister Bangalu. “Your consistent interventions are appreciated, especially by the direct beneficiaries who are the athletes.”
Also speaking at the event, Vice President of LONA, Paul Romeo David, expressed gratitude for the donation and described it as timely.
“We want to thank Ambassador Kebe for fulfilling his promise. This donation is meaningful to us and will greatly support our activities,” David said.
He noted that Old-timers football plays a vital role in helping former athletes maintain fitness and continue participating in sports at a recreational level.
David praised Minister Bangalu for his leadership and said the current administration is the first to include LONA in the national budget since the association’s formation in 1992.
“No government had ever included us in the national budget until now. We are grateful to Minister Bangalu for making this possible,” he added.
David also disclosed that LONA has plans to construct a gym to support members’ physical fitness. He said the association is preparing to purchase land for the project and begin construction soon.
Founded in 1992, LONA provides opportunities for former footballers and sports professionals to stay active through organized competitions and wellness programs.
The association serves as a bridge for aging athletes who want to remain involved in sports.
The donation by Ambassador Kebe is part of his broader empowerment initiative aimed at strengthening grassroots and veteran sports across Liberia.
He previously supported several youth and community-based programs and has pledged to continue interventions that benefit all categories of athletes.
