MONROVIA – ArcelorMittal Liberia (AML) has announced a significant financial contribution to the National County Sports Meet, distributing $35,000 among Liberia’s 15 counties.
By Jaheim T. [email protected]
The gesture is part of a broader $85,000 support package aimed at bolstering the country’s most prestigious sporting event.
Marcus Wleh, Head of Sustainability and External Relations at AML, stated that the company is proud to maintain its decade-long tradition of backing the tournament.
“To be given this opportunity to further contribute to the festive and important atmosphere of the County Meet, I bring you greetings from the CEO and management of ArcelorMittal,” Wleh told representatives of the participating counties.
Wleh noted that AML’s commitment to the tournament dates back to 2010. While the company initially focused on its areas of operation Nimba, Grand Bassa, and Margibi it has since expanded its reach to become a headline sponsor for the entire national event.
Breaking Down the $85,000 Support
According to Wleh, the total $85,000 package was disbursed in stages: $15,000: Initial support to the Ministry of Youth and Sports (MYS).$35,000: Direct support to AML’s host counties (Nimba, Grand Bassa, and Margibi) and $35,000: The final “prize pool” distributed among all 15 counties this week.
Henry B. Yonton, Deputy Minister for Administration at the Ministry of Youth and Sports, praised the timing of the disbursement, noting the financial “hangover” counties often face after the tournament ends.
“After the County Meet, you have debts to pay; you have players to attend to, and those players are knocking on your doors,” Yonton said. “The Ministry decided to spread this across the entire 15 counties as a sign of rekindling the spirit of sportsmanship.”
County Prize Allocations
The distribution was based on a proportional system, with the finalists and top performers receiving the lion’s share.
County Prize Amount
Grand Kru $5,250
Nimba $5,250
Grand Cape Mount $3,000
Margibi $3,000
Grand Bassa $2,000
Bong $2,000
River Gee $2,000
Maryland $1,500
Rivercess $1,500
Grand Gedeh, Bomi, Sinoe, Lofa, Gbarpolu, Montserrado $1,500 each
Relief for Debt-Ridden Counties
The cash influx comes at a critical time. Many county steering committees are currently struggling to settle arrears with vendors and athletes due to delays in government allotments.
Abdul Kanneh, Chair of the Bomi County Steering Committee
