Published: May 13, 2026
Paynesville – The Sports Writers Association of Liberia has appointed veteran sports journalists Martina Brooks and Michael Nasri Solomon to represent the association on the Media Committee of the National County Sports Meet.
Former SWAL Vice President Ambassador Martina Brooks and Prime FM news and sports editor Michael Nasri Solomon were nominated following the Ministry of Youth and Sports’ recent decision to include SWAL on the committee.
SWAL President Varmah Kamara welcomed the decision, describing it as a major step toward strengthening the role and voice of sports journalists at Liberia’s biggest sporting festival.
Kamara said Brooks and Solomon possess the experience, professionalism and institutional knowledge needed to effectively represent SWAL on the committee.
He noted that several concerns regarding the association’s role and participation in the National County Sports Meet require urgent attention.
Kamara urged the two journalists to ensure SWAL is fully represented while advocating for the welfare, recognition and concerns of sports journalists across Liberia.
The National County Sports Meet is Liberia’s premier grassroots sporting event, bringing together counties from across the country in football, kickball and other sporting disciplines.
Meanwhile, SWAL also welcomed the appointment of its member, T. Kla Wesley Jr., to the Coordination and Implementation Committee.
The County Meet Media Committee, chaired by the Ministry of Youth and Sports and co-chaired by the Ministry of Information, includes stakeholders such as SWAL, the Liberia Broadcasting System and the Female Journalists Association of Liberia, which is making its debut on the committee.
Wesley was appointed to the Coordination and Implementation Committee alongside representatives from the Office of the Minister of Youth and Sports, the Liberia Football Association, the National Creative Arts Council and the Ministry of Local Government, among others.
SWAL described the appointments as timely and appropriate, noting that the association has consistently played a central role in County Meet media coordination and sports coverage over the years.
Speaking on behalf of the association April 27, 2026, Kamara said the decisions reflect the new sports minister’s commitment to fostering inclusivity and strengthening collaboration within the sports media.
Kamara commended the minister for appointing Wesley, saying he possesses the experience, competence and professional pedigree needed to effectively represent sports media at both the implementation and coordination levels.
He reaffirmed SWAL’s commitment to ensuring comprehensive, high-quality coverage of the National County Sports Meet.
Kamara said SWAL continues to play a critical role in the development and promotion of sports in Liberia, adding that the association’s longstanding contributions cannot be overlooked.
At the same time, he urged the Ministry of Youth and Sports to ensure committees are adequately supported and allowed to operate without undue interference.
“Too often, committees are established without the necessary logistical and institutional support, and in some cases, political interference undermines their work,” Kamara said.
He added that the National County Sports Meet is not only Liberia’s premier sporting event, but also an important platform for promoting cultural identity, fostering reconciliation and strengthening national unity through sports.
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