Paynesville, Montserrado – Despite the construction of multiple sports parks, many Liberians think that under former President George Weah’s administration, sports were not given much priority. Their contention has centered on the annual low financial allocation for federations and associations, which they claimed was a factor in the nation’s dismal results in international contests.
Following their disagreement, Master Junior Pewee Russian, the President of the Liberia Taekwondo Federation, has pleaded with President Joseph N. Boakai to completely support sports in order to preserve athletes’ dreams. On Saturday, January 20, 2024, Master Russian gave a speech after the Liberia Taekwondo Federation athletes participated in a volunteer clean-up drive to help prepare the city of Paynesville for the inauguration.
He also donated over 250 brooms on behalf of the Liberia Taekwondo Federation to the clean-up campaign team at the climax of the day cleanup. “I can assure you that if sports are highly prioritized, you won’t see ghettos around here with a lot of kids in them. The reason you see ghettos these days is because of a lack of recreation centers for young people.”
“As someone who came from a less privileged background and watched football players like George Weah, Kelvin Sebgwe, James Salinsa Debbeh, and others grow up, I had the opportunity to also benefit, but the situation of the current generation is different.”
Additionally, the president of the Liberia Taekwondo Federation has appealed to President Joseph N. Boakai to appoint individuals with a passion for improving sports to positions at the Ministry of Youth and Sports.
“Please, Mr. President, please don’t take your brothers and sisters and send them to the Ministry of Youth and Sports to make lucrative salaries, as it kills the dreams of athletes and those who play sports in the end.”
Master Junior Pewee Russian said at the same time that he never intended to venture into politics, but the politicians have lied to the people over the years by the time they are given a chance to serve.
“Sports have always been my passion. I should be teaching martial arts at the university, security sector, and community level, so why get into politics? However, the lies that politicians have told us have forced me to take a chance. President JNB, please look to sports to protect our young generation’s great skills. Sports have transformed my life, and I also want other young athletes to have similar benefits.”
Reported by: Sylvester Tamba
Contact: +231776687195
