February 22, 2006


The President of Liberia, Madam Ellen Johnson Sirleaf early this week took the lead in promoting the development of sports and female soccer in the country.

President Sirleaf, as Chief Patron of sports for the Republic of Liberia took the lead during the launching of a national mobilization and fund drive to support the national female football team at the Executive mansion in Monrovia.

Speaking at the occasion, president Sirleaf called on all Liberians including government officials and business partners to join her in raising funds for this historical endeavor of Liberia and sports at large.

She said, "As Liberia strives to restore its national identity and its national image, we as a people, must join our efforts in furthering this national effort".

"As you may be aware, for the first time in our country's history, the National Female Football Team will participate in her first international FIFA competition on March 5, 2006, in Monrovia against her Guinean Counterpart. And having the unique history of producing the first female president on our continent and your humble servant being the citizen so honored, it is imperative that we as a people support our National Female Lone Star", president Sirleaf iterated.

The President expressed that as Chief Patron for sports, she has committed herself to support those initiatives that will develop our young people and make Liberia a proud nation once again.

She disclosed that the National Mobilization and Fund Raising team will be visiting various communities, market places, business houses and individuals to solicit the support of the Liberian people.

"It is therefore my distinct honor to launch this Fund Drive to support our National Female Lone Star team as they go forth to bring pride to the women of Liberia and our nation", President Sirleaf asserted.

She used the occasion to call on all Liberians to turn out with their drums, sasas, and cymbals at the Antoinette Tubman Stadium, come Sunday March 5, 2006, to give our women their support.

Liberia has long been wishing to have a president that will enhance sports development but with no doubt the country's first female president has demonstrated a passion for the game by taking the lead to ensure that the promotion and development of sports starts from her office.