Monrovia –The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of New Electric Energy Vehicle (NEEV), Cassell Kouh, has vowed to help build a headquarters for the Sports Writers Association of Liberia SWAL.
Kouh made the pledge Friday, October 11,2024 at the 38th anniversary dinner of SWAL held at the SKD Stadium media room.
Kouh said though it is a difficult task to build a headquarters, he assured all sports journalists that SWAL will celebrate its next anniversary at her own facility. “We will have a discussion and you can rest assured that you will celebrate your next anniversary in your own headquarters,” he said.
He continued: “You know, to build headquarters is a difficult thing and I appreciate everyone’s support as the chief launcher, but we can’t build a headquarters with what we have raised tonight.
” On behalf of the Cassell and Chris collaboration, we will give $2,000.00 to be picked up on Monday. In my capacity as the CEO of NEEV Libera and President of FC Fassell, I could say I will give $5,000.00 or $10,000.00, but that won’t build the headquarters, so I will sit down with the leadership and we will consummate a plan and We will build the headquarter as urgent as possible.”
Kouh further stated that SWAL can’t make any progress in the absence of funding, hence urging all stakeholders to rally around the organization for better coverage of sports in Liberia.
“SWAL can only be a great organization with adequate funding. If we must have a better SWAL, we need adequate finances,” he added.
Deputy Sports Minister, Andy Quamie, who co-chaired the fundraising, urged members of SWAL to remain independent, balanced and accurate in their reportage.
Minister Quamie also called on sports journalists to prioritize other sporting federations and associations, claiming that 90 percent of their reports usually focus on football. “I got friends within the Sports Writers Association, Cassell Kouh has friends, Mustapha Raji has, but don’t allow your friendship with Andy Quamie to becloud your judgement for fair play.
“We have 36 sporting federations and associations in Liberia, even though all of them don’t have the same weight, basketball, athletics, the Amputee teams are all doing well, but most of the times our energy is only on football,” Minister Quamie, who is also CEO of Watanga FC urged.
Minister Quamie pledged US$1000.00 in his name and on behalf of Watanga Football Club.
In a remark, SWAL President Varmah Kamara recognized partners and Sports stakeholders, noting their collaboration and support have been invaluable to the growth of sports and to SWAL.
He reaffirmed sports journalists’ commitment to promoting sports, advocating for better facilities and opportunities for athletes, and telling the stories that inspire and unite the nation.
Established in 1986, SWAL has grown from its humble beginnings to become a powerhouse of Liberian sports journalism, shaping the narrative of sports in the country and amplifying the voices of athletes, coaches, and fans.
Over the past 38 years, SWAL has been an instrumental force in fostering the growth of sports in Liberia.
