Liberia Wheelchair Basketball Federation Appeals to President Boakai for Support Ahead of Egypt, Thailand Events

MONROVIA — The Liberia National Wheelchair Basketball Federation (LNWBF) has issued an urgent appeal to President Joseph Nyuma Boakai for financial assistance to enable two national teams to participate in upcoming international engagements in Egypt and Thailand.

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By Christopher C. Walker, [email protected]

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Reading a press statement on behalf of the organization, LNWBF Board Chair Florence Mamusu Thorneh announced that the Liberia Men’s and Women’s 3×3 Wheelchair Basketball Teams have been invited to compete in the 2026 International Wheelchair Basketball Federation (IWBF) 3×3 World Cup Tournament, scheduled for November 23–29 in Cairo, Egypt.

In addition, Liberia has received an invitation from IWBF-Africa and Gameplan Sport to attend a High Performance and Capacity-Building Camp from November 8–21 in Suphanburi, Thailand.

However, severe financial and logistical constraints threaten the country’s participation in both events, prompting the federation to petition the President for the timely approval and release of its submitted budget.

According to Thorneh, anticipated costs cover international airfare, accommodation, meals, daily subsistence allowances,registration fees, sports equipment, and administrative logistics.

The organization warned that failing to attend could jeopardize Liberia’s standing with international governing bodies.

Boakai’s Support Acknowledged

The federation praised President Boakai for his past financial and logistical interventions, which it credits with resurrecting Liberia’s presence on the international wheelchair basketball circuit.

In previous years, outstanding fines resulting from non-participation in 2022 and 2023 international tournaments had led to Liberia’s suspension from global activities.

The President’s initial financial assistance cleared those obligations, lifting the suspension.

In February 2025, the Executive Mansion support enabled the Under-23 Men’s Wheelchair Basketball Team to attend the IWBF-Africa U23 World Cup Qualifying Tournament in Johannesburg, South Africa, covering fees, lodging, stipends for a 23-member delegation, and specialized wheelchair rentals.

More recently, after the Ministry of Youth and Sports indicated a lack of funds to support five invited national squads for 2026, President Boakai stepped in directly. His sponsorship allowed Liberian teams to participate in regional competitions in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Angola between March 17 and April 2, 2026.

Sports Wheelchairs Donation Expected

To address long-standing equipment deficits, the federation announced that President Boakai is scheduled to present 24 brand-new sports wheelchairs to the team on October 29, 2026, at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex in Monrovia.

The consignment forms part of a larger shipment of 36 specialized wheelchairs being secured for local athletes.

During the October 29 event, the LNWBF also plans to submit a formal proposal to the Liberian leader for the construction of a “Liberia National Disability Sports Village” on a proposed 500-acre site. The envisioned complex would serve as a national hub for specialized training, coaching, and capacity-building across all 15 counties, contingent on feasibility studies, land allocation, and government approval.

Driving Inclusion and Recognition

Founded on July 18, 2019, by Ambassador S. Lionel E. Johnson, the LNWBF currently operates across 10 counties. The leadership emphasizes that its scope goes beyond sports to advocate for social inclusion, accessibility, and economic empowerment for persons with physical disabilities.

The federation also expressed gratitude to Hadja Mamaka Bility, Minister of State Without Portfolio at the Executive Mansion, for her continuous advocacy. In recognition of her engagement, members of the disability sports community have named her the “Mother of Wheelchair Basketball” in Liberia.

As the November tournaments draw closer, the federation is urging the government, international partners, and private sector stakeholders to establish sustainable funding mechanisms for adaptive sports, ensuring Liberian athletes are not sidelined from international representation.