By Paynesville Monrovia – Members of the Liberia Amputee National Team are fervently calling upon the Liberian government to extend their support by providing better living conditions for the team. The athletes, who have consistently brought pride to the nation through their sports achievements, are currently facing substandard living conditions that do not reflect their dedication and accomplishments.
Emmanuel Nyumah, a representative of the team, explained that the government only provides financial assistance when the team has football matches abroad. However, this financial support is insufficient to cover their basic needs such as rent and food. Nyumah described the dire situation, revealing that more than twenty individuals are forced to share a single bathroom at their current residence on Gobachop Field.
The team members, considered icons of the Liberia Amputee National Team, expressed their frustration and disappointment with the lack of concrete plans from the government’s Youth and Sports department to improve their living conditions. They emphasized that their efforts in promoting Liberia on the international sports stage have not been matched by the support they receive from their country.
Francis Fallah, a goalkeeper and a member of the team, appealed to President Weah’s administration to prioritize the well-being of individuals with disabilities, particularly the amputee athletes. Fallah highlighted the need for the government to provide housing units to alleviate the challenges they face in the midst of a struggling economy.
The athletes disclosed that they are all currently renting their accommodations and receive no monetary compensation for representing their country in football matches. They urged President Weah, who serves as the chief patron of sports, to intervene and allocate funds for the Amputee Team’s participation in the upcoming Africa Power Olympiad in Ghana on September 10, 2023. Their efforts over the years have earned them a place amongst African countries in this historic tournament.
The Gobachop Field in Paynesville has become a settlement for numerous individuals with disabilities, including experienced players from the Liberia Amputee National Team. Their living conditions have placed their health at risk, underscoring the urgency of the appeal for improved support from the government.
In the spirit of upholding national pride and supporting these athletes’ commitment to sports excellence, the Liberia Amputee National Team awaits the Liberian government’s response to their plea for improved living conditions and adequate funding.
By: Alphanso G. Kalama
