Published: January 23, 2026
MONROVIA — Liberia’s biggest sporting festival, the National County Sports Meet, saw prize money for champions and individual winners slashed in the 2025/26 edition after longtime sponsor Winners Incorporated withdrew its support without explanation.
The betting company had contributed 5 million Liberian dollars (L$5,000,000) in each of the past two editions, including L$4.8 million in cash prizes and L$200,000 in operational costs to the Ministry of Youth and Sports.
In 2024/25, champions Lofa County received L$2 million, while runners-up Grand Gedeh County earned L$1 million. Individual awards were also substantial: MVP and Top Scorer: Emmanuel Flomo — L$450,000
– Best Defender: Alexander Curtis — L$150,000
– Best Goalkeeper: Junior Yeanay (Lofa County) — L$150,000
– Best Coach: Korvy Kollie (Lofa County) — L$150,000
– Best Midfielder: Nuch Zuom — L$150,000
Fans and athletes had expected an increase in 2025/26. Instead, Winners Incorporated pulled out, leaving the Ministry scrambling for new sponsorship.
GT Bank Liberia Steps In
GT Bank Liberia assumed responsibility for cash prizes but offered significantly less. Champions Nimba County received L$1.5 million, while runners-up Grand Kru earned L$750,000.
Individual awards were cut sharply: MVP and Top Scorer Josiah Cea shared a combined L$75,000, while the Best Coach, Best Defender, and Best Goalkeeper each received L$25,000.
The only increase came in Kickball, where champions Margibi County earned L$700,000, up from L$300,000 in the previous editions.
Ministry’s Clarification
Deputy Minister for Sports G. Andy Quamie told the Liberian Investigator that the prizes were not presented by the Ministry but by GT Bank, which took over after Winners Incorporated’s withdrawal.
“All those money you given did not come for us and Winners did not come around the county meet this year,” Quamie said in a phone interview.
Quamie added that additional funds would be distributed following a pledge from ArcelorMittal Liberia, which presented US$35,000 during the grand final to support champions and individual prizes. The mining company also gave US$15,000 as supplementary support.
Sponsorship Uncertainty
The sudden withdrawal of Winners Incorporated highlights the fragility of sponsorship arrangements for Liberia’s premier sporting event. For two years, the betting company’s contributions elevated the prestige of the meet, rewarding athletes and counties with unprecedented cash prizes.
Its absence in 2025/26 left a noticeable gap, forcing GT Bank Liberia and ArcelorMittal to step in. While their support ensured winners were not left empty-handed, the drastic reduction in prize amounts sparked disappointment among athletes and fans.
The Ministry of Youth and Sports has not said whether Winners Incorporated will return in future editions, and the company has not explained its decision to withdraw.
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