Published: September 23, 2026
MONROVIA — The Liberia Deaf Sports Association has hailed former Youth and Sports Minister Cllr. Cole Bangalu for his support for disability sports, describing his contribution as a lasting legacy for deaf athletes in Liberia.
LDSA officials paid a courtesy visit to Bangalu on Monday at his office in Congo Town, where he now serves as executive director of the Liberia Refugees Repatriation and Resettlement Commission.
The delegation was headed by LDSA President Octavius Vorkpor and included Board Chair Bryant McGill, Secretary General Joseph Forkpa and interpreter Joshua Gargar.
Speaking through an interpreter, Vorkpor thanked Bangalu for what he described as exceptional support for disability sports, particularly deaf sports, during his tenure at the Ministry of Youth and Sports.
He said Bangalu’s efforts helped give disability sports greater visibility and recognition and could serve as a model for future sports administrators.
“His contribution will remain in our memories,” Vorkpor said through the interpreter.
McGill also credited Bangalu with consistently using media appearances to highlight disability sports and the achievements of Liberia’s deaf athletes.
While acknowledging that Liberia’s recent showing at a tournament in Serbia fell below expectations, McGill said the LDSA has already started early preparations to improve its performance at upcoming international competitions.
The association is preparing for a busy international calendar, including the ECOWAS Deaf Championship in Freetown in early November, the Deaf African Nations Cup in November and December, and the Deaf World Cup in Australia next year.
Bangalu: Disability athletes deserve greater support
Responding to the delegation, Bangalu thanked the LDSA for the visit and said he was surprised that, apart from former Lone Star players, no other sports federation had previously paid him such a courtesy call.
Bangalu said his current position at the LRRRC is closely aligned with his commitment to supporting vulnerable and disadvantaged people.
He said his interest in disability sports goes beyond inclusion, arguing that deaf and amputee athletes have a role to play in Liberia’s national development and identity.
Bangalu specifically identified the Liberia Deaf Sports Association, Liberia Amputee Sports Association and Wheelchair Basketball Federation as three organizations requiring greater attention and support.
Former athletes’ fund
Bangalu also disclosed that a special fund was established during his tenure as youth and sports minister to assist former national players and sports veterans.
He said $25,000 was allocated to each category, bringing the total allocation to $50,000.
According to Bangalu, the initiative was designed to ensure that former athletes would not be left without medical assistance when faced with serious health challenges.
He cited former Lone Star player George Gebro as an example, saying Gebro was taken to Ghana for specialized medical treatment after suffering an eye-related health problem.
Bangalu said he remains prepared to advocate for vulnerable groups whenever the opportunity arises, while the LDSA pledged to continue its preparations as it targets stronger performances in upcoming international competitions.
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