By: Perry B. Zordyu – divinemuahdaddy@gmail.com
Sierra Leone – The President of the Liberia Kickball Federation (LKF), Emmanuel Surprise Whea, has announced a groundbreaking move to expand Liberia’s traditional sport — kickball — across the West African region, starting with neighboring Sierra Leone.
Speaking at a special press conference held Thursday at Intel Sports in Paynesville, Whea revealed that formal discussions with Sierra Leonean sports authorities have led to official recognition of kickball in that country — a major step in regionalizing the sport that originated in Liberia.
“It is time that our traditional sport is recognized beyond our borders,” Whea stated. “We have started talks with Sierra Leone, and I’m proud to say that their Sports Authority has officially acknowledged kickball as a legitimate sport.”
A delegation led by Whea visited Sierra Leone on July 22, 2025, following earlier communication with the country’s Sports Authority on June 3. The purpose of the visit was to deepen bilateral discussions and promote regional sports collaboration. The result: a shared vision to grow kickball across the Mano River Union (MRU).
Whea disclosed that Sierra Leone’s formal endorsement came in writing and included plans to send a delegation to Liberia in September for a joint exhibition match — a symbolic launch of kickball in the region.
“Since its establishment in 1964, the Liberia Kickball Federation has dreamed of regional expansion. This leadership, which took office in 2018, vowed to take the sport beyond Liberia. That dream is now being realized,” Whea told reporters.
Despite limited resources and institutional support, Whea praised the commitment of Liberian athletes and administrators who have kept the sport alive and growing domestically. He believes regional interest will help elevate kickball to greater heights.
The LKF president urged the Liberian government, particularly the Ministry of Youth and Sports, to invest more meaningfully in the game. He emphasized that stronger national backing would not only support domestic leagues but also boost Liberia’s role as a kickball ambassador across West Africa.
“We need the government to take ownership and recognize kickball as part of our national identity. With investment, this sport can become internationally respected and regionally celebrated,” he added.
The collaboration with Sierra Leone could serve as a model for future partnerships with other Mano River Union countries, potentially turning kickball into one of West Africa’s most distinctive and unifying sporting events.
