Liberia
Bids For African Championship
By Julu M. Johnson, Jr.
The Liberia Basketball Federation (LBF) has decided to host a major
championship next year.
The LBF Secretary-General Fred J.A. Pratt is expected to leave the
country to attend the bidding ceremony.
Mr. Pratt disclosed that that he will depart Monrovia on Thursday for
Abidjan, Ivory Coast to bid for the 2005 African Female Basketball
Championship.
The LBF Secretary-General has, meanwhile, named Nigeria, Ivory Coast,
Niger and Burkina Faso as countries that are also in the race to host
the tournament.
"I was moved to bid for the championship when I saw the outdoor
facilities in Burkina Faso. In fact, ours is better than the one in
Burkina Faso," Pratt indicated.
Notwithstanding, he said the Sports Commission on Broad Street would
soon be transformed to an indoor stadium.
Pratt mentioned that the Liberian head of state Gyude Bryant has
backed the move and that the plan has already reached the Ministry of
Public Works.
On the hosting of the championship, Pratt noted that the world
basketball governing body FIBA would also help in the reconstruction
of the Sports Commission.
He said the ten teams that are slated to participate would foot their
own bills, but the LBF and the Liberian government would be
responsible for transportation.
In case Liberia wins the bid, Pratt said it would be the first time
the country would host a major championship.
He said the national female basketball team of Liberia Lone Star is
being put in place, under the guidance of Solomon George.
"The team is awaiting the rainy season to start training for the
championship," added Mr. Pratt. |
Please Click our Sponsors
Links to support the site
|
