By: Perry B. Zordyu
NIMBA COUNTY – At the 39th Annual Gala of the Sports Writers Association of Liberia (SWAL), Gonkartee Dekpah, President of the Liberia Chess Federation, called for the decentralization of sports as a key strategy to discover and nurture the next generation of Liberian champions.
Dekpah emphasized that many young talents are waiting for opportunities to shine, and that inclusivity should be a central priority.
He argued that bringing infrastructure, training, and tournaments directly to local communities would empower local sports associations and allow every region to participate meaningfully.
He further urged collaboration with the national government and the broader sporting sector to build a national sports system that serves all Liberians.
“When sport is decentralized, it becomes inclusive, and when it is inclusive, it becomes stronger. Let us work hand-in-hand with the government, private sector, and civil society to build a national sports system that serves everyone, everywhere,” Dekpah said.
Speaking to sports journalists, he lauded their nearly four decades of reporting, noting that SWAL has played an indispensable role in shaping public opinion, promoting transparency, and inspiring national pride.
“Your work is not just journalism—it is nation-building. Liberia is proud of you. Sports is one of the greatest unifiers known to humanity. It is a powerful tool for peace, development, and national unity, lifting the nation’s spirit even in the most difficult times,” he added.
Dekpah highlighted that beyond fostering unity, sports teach discipline, teamwork, perseverance, and respect.
He noted that investing in sports can create jobs, empower youth, reduce crime and drug abuse, and provide a pathway out of poverty by channeling youthful energy into positive action.
The keynote speaker also urged broader societal collaboration and investment in the future of Liberian sports.
He stressed that sports journalists are not merely reporters—they are advocates, educators, and ambassadors of the game, whose work often goes underappreciated and under-resourced.
Dekpah called on government agencies, institutions, and development partners to invest in sports media, providing training, modern tools, and recognition to empower sports journalists and strengthen the entire sporting sector.
He concluded by noting that sports is not merely entertainment, but a pillar of national progress.
