Monrovia – Excitement is mounting in Montserrado County’s District #13 as 33 communities prepare to battle for glory in the upcoming “Red Card to Drugs” Tournament—a month-long football and kickball competition aimed at uniting neighborhoods and fighting drug abuse through the power of sport.
Set to kick off on August 16, the tournament is spearheaded by Deputy Minister for Administration at the Ministry of State, Cornelia Wonkerleh Kruah, who also serves as founder of the DARE Movement (Drug Awareness and Resistance Education).
“This is more than competition,” said Deputy Minister Kruah. “It’s a call to action—using sport to keep our youth engaged, active, and informed about the dangers of drugs.”
A Community-Driven Campaign
Running from August 16 to September 6, the tournament will transform District #13’s fields into hubs of energy, cheers, and purpose. Teams from across communities—including New Georgia, Jamaica Road, and Battery Factory—will compete in both football and kickball under structured brackets, with official referees and matchday schedules ensuring a professional standard.
The tournament opens with a launch march from Jamaica Road to the New Georgia Nigerian Shop Sports Pitch, where the first matches will be played following an opening ceremony.
Beyond the Game: A Platform for Awareness
While the competition promises thrilling sporting moments, the tournament’s core mission is to raise awareness about Liberia’s deepening drug crisis—particularly among young people. Over US$1 million worth of narcotics have reportedly been seized in District #13 alone between 2022 and 2023.
“We’re not waiting for government alone,” Kruah stated. “We’re using what we have—our passion for sport and love for community—to protect the next generation.”
Each match will serve as a platform for outreach, with halftime talks by youth advocates and community leaders, on-site medical teams and counselors, and anti-drug information booths featuring survivor testimonies and cultural performances such as spoken word poetry focused on resistance and resilience.
Building Role Models, Not Just Athletes
A standout feature of the event is the launch of Youth Drug Resistance Ambassadors—young athletes recognized for their discipline, leadership, and commitment to positive change. These ambassadors will receive training and continue outreach in their communities beyond the tournament.
“We’re building more than athletes,” Kruah added. “We’re building role models.”
Setting a National Example
Local leaders and organizers believe this will be the most organized grassroots sports event the district has seen in years—and one with lasting impact.
“Football is Liberia’s language,” said tournament coordinator James Tamba. “When we say ‘Red Card to Drugs,’ we’re speaking through something everyone understands.”
Organizers hope the initiative will serve as a model for other districts and pave the way for a nationwide movement where sports are used as tools for prevention, empowerment, and unity.
“This is our pilot,” Kruah emphasized. “If it works here—and we believe it will—it can work anywhere in Liberia.”
Key Dates
August 7 – Drug Awareness Symposium with community leaders, August 16 – Launch March and Tournament Kickoff and September 6 – Grand Final & Awards Ceremony
The tournament will feature prizes for Most Valuable Player (MVP), Best Goalkeeper, and Most Disciplined Team. Matches will rotate across multiple community fields, allowing maximum participation and visibility across the district.
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