Finance and Development Planning Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan has called for kickball to be granted legal protection, proper branding and international promotion, warning that Liberia risks losing ownership of a sport he described as a homegrown innovation and a unique part of the country's cultural and sporting identity.
Delivering the keynote address at the second Sports Writers Association of Liberia (SWAL) Awards, Ngafuan urged stakeholders to preserve and elevate kickball, which he said has deep roots in Liberian society.
"We all grew up believing kickball was played everywhere in the world, only to later discover that it is a Liberian innovation," Ngafuan said. "We must protect it or risk losing ownership of something that belongs to us. We need to work with the Liberia Tourism Authority and other stakeholders to brand and market kickball as a national treasure."
The minister assured stakeholders that the government would seek ways to mobilize the resources needed to develop the sport and expand its recognition at home and abroad.
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"Whatever resources are required to promote this sport, we will work to find them," he said, adding that sports development should be integrated into Liberia's broader national development strategy.
Ngafuan also pledged stronger government support for football and other disciplines, expressing confidence that Liberia can one day qualify for the FIFA World Cup.
"That dream is achievable," he said. "We can work toward the day when Liberians gather in stadiums and viewing centers across the country to watch our national team compete at the World Cup."
The finance minister said the current national budget includes a record increase in funding for sports and pledged to advocate for greater allocations in future budgets to sustain the sector's growth. He acknowledged that sports compete with education, agriculture, infrastructure and energy for limited government resources but stressed that the investment remains vital.
Addressing journalists, athletes, sports administrators and government officials, Ngafuan paid tribute to the pioneers of sports journalism, whose dedication he said helped shape the profession and promote sports development in Liberia.
"Sports journalists may think their work is ordinary, but many young people look up to them as role models," he said. "Through your reporting, you are shaping minds, inspiring future generations and contributing to national development."
Ngafuan emphasized the unifying power of sports and its importance in creating opportunities for the country's youthful population.
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"Sports is a unifier," he said. "When Liberia wins, everyone celebrates regardless of their background. Sports gives hope to our young people and helps build a stronger nation."
He also pledged continued support for media development and professional growth opportunities for sports journalists.
Closing his remarks, Ngafuan congratulated all award recipients and encouraged winners and nominees alike to remain dedicated to improvement.
"Those who received awards should not rest on their achievements, and those who did not win should remain focused and keep striving for excellence," he said. "Excellence must always be our standard."
The second SWAL Awards recognized outstanding achievements in sports journalism and honored individuals and institutions that have contributed to the growth of sports in Liberia. The ceremony drew stakeholders from the sports sector, government, media and the development community.
