As the clock beats down to January 12, 2025, anticipation is reaching a fever pitch across Liberia for the grand opening of the 2024/2025 National County Sports Meet.
The annual sporting extravaganza is Liberia’s biggest and most celebrated competition where love leads the nation to unity putting with the greater portion of the population going back to their roots connecting to tribal background to show sense of belonging to the actual Liberian culture.
This year, the National County Sports Meet is set to take center stage in Robertsport, Grand Cape Mount County, with the Chief Patron of Sports, Joseph Nyuma Boakai, leading the charge by officially taking the ceremonial kickoff.
This year’s tournament, themed “Inclusive Development through Sports,” promises to be an exciting celebration of unity, talent, and competition. The event is not just about sports; it is a reflection of Liberia’s rich diversity and resilience, aiming to unite its citizens regardless of political, religious, or tribal backgrounds.
Regarding the start of this prestigious competition, Oxford Brown, Communications Director at the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Publicity Committee Chairman, has assured Liberians that all preparations are complete.
He explained that the four venues hosting the games namely Robertsport (Grand Cape Mount), Gbarnga (Bong County), Zwedru (Grand Gedeh), and Greenville (Sinoe County) are ready to showcase high-energy sporting action.
Brown noted that this year’s competition would stand out with its inclusion of three categories: football, kickball, and basketball. These additions further underscore the event’s goal of fostering inclusivity and giving young athletes a platform to shine.
As part of new innovations to add taste to the game, one of the event sponsors Radio Entertainment Liberia added a news idea and deal to motivate players and raise the stakes.
So, the 2024/2025 edition will introduce cash awards for players of the match in every game. As the tournament progresses, these prizes will increase, adding more excitement and competition to the games.
Brown emphasized that the tournament is more than just a sporting event. It is a platform for reconciliation, skill development, and national pride. He urged Liberians to come together, respect the sporting facilities, and support their counties with discipline and good sportsmanship.
“Let’s continue to see this tournament as a way to reunite and reconcile each other despite political, religious, and tribal backgrounds,” Brown stated.
Just as fans across Liberia are gearing up to cheer for their favorite counties, bringing energy and enthusiasm to the games it has been observed that nearly all county teams participating in the event have begun moving closer to their designated venues for the games.
With only the best teams advancing beyond the preliminaries, the month-long competition promises thrilling matchups, surprises, and unforgettable moments.
As January 12 approaches, the ministry’s pronouncement is clear that the stage is set for a spectacular opening in Robertsport. With venues prepared, teams ready, and fans eager, Liberia is all set to celebrate its most iconic sporting tradition.
Sunday being the starting of this journey, defending champions in the football category defending champion Rivergee and kickball defending champion Rivercess will have their titles on the line, with teams across the country ready to dethrone them.
Nimba county with the highest carrying record of the competition in football is paired with the defending champion Rivergee and they will lock horns deciding who gets to Monrovia in the quarter finals in Grand Cape Mount.
Elsewhere in Sinoe County, Wologisi mountain stars that have been making rounds and names in recent stages of the county meet going as far as playing three finals and winning one in four editions will be hustling to make the city green and that will only happen when Rivercess, Gbarpolu and the group c host county play according to their wish.
The preliminary rounds will be contested across four groups:
Group A: Bong, Grand Bassa, Maryland, and Bomi Counties.
Group B: Grand Gedeh, Grand Kru, Margibi, and Montserrado Counties.
Group C: Sinoe, Rivercess, Lofa, and Gbarpolu Counties.
Group D: Grand Cape Mount, Nimba, and Rivergee Counties.
