MONROVIA – A heavyweight contender for the post of president in the February 27th, Invincible Eleven (IE) & Majestic Sports Association (IE&MSA) elections has described sports as ‘the unifier and mover the nation’.
Dr. Richard Tolbert, Chairman of the National Investment Commission (NIC), told journalists at a press briefing Thursday at his NIC offices that he would not run IE as a one-man show as had been the case for the greater part of the association’s existence.
“Through sports, I believe we are going to try to bring this country together that all of us love so much, but that has been held back for so long because of disunity. I don’t think there is any other medium or activity that is greater for uniting the Liberian people than sports. I [have] always loved IE and what it represents.
“I have put together a team of experienced sports personalities that I believe will help me revive and resuscitate the team’s moral and financial capacity, which has dropped considerably over the years, and I have willingly accepted this challenge with all sincerity, with no strings attached.
“I am not running a one-man team. I have already assembled a team that is going to work with me, and I think that is the essence of how we must go about doing business in this country,” Tolbert said.
He paid special tribute to some of the great names that have been associated and continue to be associated with IE, and called for a moment of silence in remembrance of two of the association’s recent fallen presidents, Ben T. Donnie and Lawrence M. Doe.
Describing himself as a man of more deeds than words, candidate Tolbert disclosed that he had put together a top-flight team that includes people who have always done well for the association such as the Concerned Few. He named Francois Junius, Vice President for Administration; Alfred Sayon, Vice president for Operation; Jonathan ‘Boye Charles’ Sogbie, vice president for Fan Clubs; Momolu V.O. Sirleaf, secretary-general; and campaign manager, John Massaquoi.
When elected, Tolbert said, his most immediate priorities will be to seek resources, find an office and equipment for the team, try to recruit new players and get the fan base going.
His team, he added, will try to get the spirit of the team back, motivate and reinvigorate the IE fan base as a means of encouraging fans to claim ownership of their association.
For his part, Junius, incoming Vice President for Administration, maintained his belief that the holding of elections is the best way to promote democracy. He predicted victory in the forthcoming elections and said it would be a dream come true for his organization, the ‘Concerned Few’, which has been in the vanguard for the holding of elections since 2006.
The Richard Tolbert team has put forth seven-point vision and mission should they emerge victorious in the elections:
Vision and Mission Statement of Dr. Richard Tolbert, presidential candidate for Invincible Eleven & Majestic Sports Association
VISION STATEMENT: The Richard Tolbert Administration will focus primarily on the creation of a world-class Invincible Eleven & Majestic Sports Association, Incorporated and a winsome soccer/basketball teams and other activities undertaken by the Association.
MISSION STATEMENT: Develop and promote programs which aim to tap the natural talents and skills of all players and athletes of the associations so as to enable them derive economic, social and moral rights/benefits from their talents. Our specific strategies/goals shall include, but not limited to the following:
GOAL 1: Promote and implement the AIMS and OBJECTIVES of the INVINCIBLE ELEVEN/MAJESTIC SPORTS ASSOCIATION, INC., as contained in the ACT TO INCORPORATE IE/MSA which was enacted in 1993 by the Interim Legislative Assembly of the Interim Government of National Unity.
GOAL 2: Establish a secretariat to, in close collaboration with the vice president/Administration, manage and execute the daily administrative and other activities of the Association.
GOAL 3: Ensure transparency and accountability in the generation and expenditure of revenues of the Association by maintaining accounts at commercial banks or institutions.
GOAL 4: Mobilize general and special financial, as well as moral support for the achievement of the goals of the Association. We will encourage and support the establishment of chapters/fan clubs in the political subdivisions of the country, including districts, public/private entities, communities, schools, etc.
GOAL 5: To secure and maintain a Central Head Office in Montserrado County.
GOAL 6: To develop an ‘Adopt a Player’ policy within the Association so as to provide motivation for players and athletes. Under this policy, members and supporters of the Association will adopt a player in any sporting discipline within the Association through financial contribution and other means.
GOAL 7: To establish a communication system including website, periodic newspaper for the promotion of and dissemination of activities of the Association.