MONROVIA – The National Lottery Authority (NLA) has signed a sponsorship agreement valued at L$2.7 million with the Liberia Kickball Federation (LKF) as part of the government’s commitment to the growth of kickball.
The National Lottery Authority, a government agency, oversees the regulation and administration of all games of chance, including casino operations, sports betting, lotto games, scratch-and-win contests, raffle draws, and promotional competitions in Liberia.
Under the agreement, the Kickball Federation will receive the sponsorship amount in three installments: at the start of the season, mid-season, and upon conclusion of the league. In exchange, the LKF is tasked with promoting NLA jingles via public address systems and displaying NLA flags and banners during league matches.
NLA Director-General Reginald Nagbe explained that the sponsorship is aimed at reinforcing the Liberia Kickball Federation’s efforts to create opportunities for women and girls passionate about the sport. He disclosed that the decision to sponsor the national league emerged following NLA’s involvement in the recent National County Sports Meet, where the agency provided cash prizes for the kickball category.
“A few months ago, we approached the Ministry of Youth and Sports with our interest in sponsoring the kickball league after our experience supporting the County Meet,” Nagbe stated. “We noticed they’ve been struggling, and this is our way to motivate and encourage the girls who are playing the sport.”
He urged the LKF leadership to utilize the funds responsibly, emphasizing the money must serve its intended purpose and not personal interests. Nagbe also encouraged federation officials to expand the sport nationally and explore opportunities for international exposure.
Nagbe, a former President of First Division football club FC Fassell, also stressed the importance of involving more women in leadership roles within kickball, given that the sport is played exclusively by women.
In response, Liberia Kickball Federation President Emmanuel Surprise Whea described the agreement as historic, highlighting that the NLA is the first government entity to offer financial support to the federation.
“We are extremely grateful to the NLA for becoming the first government agency to sponsor a Liberia-owned sport,” Whea remarked. “We thank you for trusting and investing in women’s sports. Kickball involves over 10,000 women and, despite its challenges, positively impacts their lives by keeping them away from harmful activities.”
Whea noted that the sponsorship demonstrates the federation’s ongoing dedication to developing kickball in Liberia. He revealed that with the NLA’s support, the federation will manage referee indemnities, provide cash awards to winners, and offer assistance to sub-associations in eight additional counties.
According to Whea, the champions of this season’s National First Division League will receive L$150,000 as a cash prize. However, he clarified that the agreement does not include direct subventions for clubs, as all funds will solely support league operations.
The LKF President concluded by calling on other organizations to follow the NLA’s example and support kickball to benefit Liberia’s passionate and talented female athletes.
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