Africa-Press – Liberia. The Sports Writers Association of Liberia (SWAL) elected a new breed of leaders on Saturday, December 9, who would run the affairs of the sports writing body for the next three years.
Varmah Kamara, Vice President for the past three years, was elected president, defeating Molley Trojan Kiazolu. Kamara received 55 votes, while Kiazolu received 49 of the valid votes.
“Now that the elections are over, we must all put aside our differences. Going forward, there’s no Integrity team or Team Trojan. It is now SWAL! We call on everyone to join the wagon of change as we strive to rebrand and develop the Sports Writers Association of Liberia.
“Let the message go forth that the election results mark a new dawn for our association, and we must all seize this opportunity to unite and rally in the forward march of our darling organization.
This is the first time in nearly 10 years for SWAL to participate in such a peaceful and democratic process,” Kamara wrote in his victory message.
He added, “We come to this leadership with no malice for anyone, nor do we intend to unearth old wounds. Regardless of which side you took during these elections, we want to encourage everyone to get on board with hands on deck to take our institution to higher heights.”
Defeated candidate Kiazolu, in his concession message, congratulated Mr. Kamara, other elected officials, and members of the sporting body for the peaceful conduct of the election.
“Though we didn’t achieve what we set out to do, we have gained great experience going forward, which will guide our decisions. SWAL members have decided, and we have thus conceded,” Kiazolu said.
Christopher Walker, the sports editor for FrontPage Africa, initially announced his intention to run for president but then, after consulting with others, decided to run as vice president and was elected as vice president.
Walker defeated Voice of Gompa sports reporter Nathaniel Tokpah with 59-45 votes.
Edwin Dolo, sports reporter for Truth FM and Assistant Secretary for the previous three years, received 59 more votes than William D. Toe, who received 46, to become Secretary General.
Naomi Tappia retained the Financial Secretary position after winning on a white ballot. The remaining positions, including assistant secretary and chaplain, were also won on the white ballot by Jerome Willie and Yusuf M. Sheriff, respectively.
Several journalists from other Press Union of Liberia (PUL) auxiliaries observed the election at the elective congress, which was held at Wulki’s Farm in Careysburg.
Several people received recognition during the Congress for their noteworthy contributions to the expansion and advancement of sports in Liberia.
Liberia Athletics Federation (LAF) president Mulbah Zaza was honored for his role in the improvement of athletics, while Liberia Football Association president Mustapha Raji was also honored for the development of football.
Others include Malcolm Joseph (Sports Empowerment), Judge Joseph Kollie (Football Empowerment), Master Junior Pewee Russian (Taekwondo Development), Wallace Weiah (Street Football), and Benita Urey (Most Improved Female Football Administrator).
The rest are Federick Pratt and veteran sports journalist Michael Weah.
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