The Liberia Handball Federation (LHF) is struggling to make significant strides in the development of the sport, largely due to a severe lack of financial support. Federation President, Aratus Godwin Larpor, has called on the Liberian government, through the Ministry of Youth and Sports, to recognize the urgent need for greater investment in handball.
Larpor highlighted that despite the federation’s small budget, the LHF has been working tirelessly to promote handball throughout the country. However, the lack of sufficient financial resources has been a major obstacle in advancing the sport. “We have a very small budget, and this has been a significant setback in trying to move the sport to another level,” Larpor explained.
Handball, a sport that has grown in popularity, especially among schoolchildren, is gradually gaining traction in Liberia. The federation’s long-term goal is to expand the sport to all 15 counties, encouraging both male and female participation. In particular, there has been a growing interest in handball among high school female students who are showing great enthusiasm for the sport.
Historically seen as a male-dominated activity, handball is slowly becoming more inclusive, with more young women stepping up to play. However, the federation faces an uphill battle in developing these emerging talents without the financial backing needed for training, equipment, and competitions.
“It is imperative that the government and other stakeholders understand the sport’s potential to captivate and motivate Liberia’s youth,” Larpor emphasized. With the right support, he believes handball could have a much greater impact on Liberia’s youth development, instilling discipline, teamwork, and physical fitness.
The Liberia Handball Federation is calling for more government intervention and funding to help develop and promote the sport across the nation. With proper investment, the federation could expand its programs, host more events, and provide better facilities for players, ultimately nurturing a generation of talented handball athletes who could represent Liberia on the international stage.
The federation’s message is clear: the future of handball in Liberia is bright, but it requires the attention and support of the government to unlock its full potential. As the sport continues to grow, the investment from both the government and private stakeholders will be crucial in ensuring its success and sustainability in Liberia.