Paynesville – An internationally certified handball instructor has called on referees of the Liberia National Handball Association (LNHA) to prioritize the knowledge acquired from a recently concluded seven-day training program and consistently apply their new skills on the court.
By Macaulay Sombai
The call was made by international handball instructor Yalatima Ahmed Coulibaly during the certification ceremony for 20 referees who successfully completed the LNHA Referees Training Program on Sunday, July 12, 2026, at the Samuel Kanyon Doe (SKD) Sports Complex in Paynesville.
The intensive week-long training was organized by the LNHA in collaboration with the Liberia National Olympic Committee (LNOC), the Confederation of African Handball (CAHB), and the International Handball Federation (IHF).
Coulibaly praised the participants for their commitment and enthusiasm throughout the program, encouraging them to view the certification as the beginning of a long journey toward officiating excellence.
“My time spent with these young referees was very rewarding. They learned a lot during the training process, and this program is only the first step,” Coulibaly said.
“I can assure you that more training opportunities and projects will come in the future. Those who benefited from this program must continue to put into practice the skills and knowledge they have gained.”
The training initiative was designed to strengthen the capacity of young handball referees by promoting professionalism, integrity, and strict adherence to the rules of the game.
Held under the theme, “Upholding the Standard of Excellence and Honesty on the Court,” the course aimed to prepare local referees for both domestic and international officiating opportunities.
Speaking at the ceremony, LNOC President Cllr. Sylvester Rennie urged the graduates to maximize the opportunity and use their newly acquired expertise to elevate Liberian handball on the international stage.
“We are happy to be part of this program. Since assuming leadership of the LNOC, we promised to build on the work of our predecessors and move the institution forward,” Cllr. Rennie said.
“This is the second technical course we have organized since taking office, and we want to encourage all participants to take this training seriously. We want to see some of you representing Liberia on the international stage.”
For his part, LNHA President J. Aratus Larkpor encouraged the newly certified referees to remain committed to continuous learning and to use their knowledge to mentor the next generation of handball officials in Liberia.
“To members of this graduating class, I urge you to continue putting into practice the skills you have acquired,” Larkpor said. “I believe the knowledge gained here will not only prepare you for local and international competitions but will also help you mentor others who have a passion for becoming handball referees.”
The certification of the 20 referees marks another significant step in the LNHA’s ongoing efforts to improve officiating standards and raise the profile of handball across Liberia.
