Hundreds of Bassa residents flocked to the Dorris Williams Sports Pitch, Buchanan, Grand Bassa County, to watch an entertaining game between Buchanan’s district and district #2.
Some sons and daughters of the county even travelled from Monrovia and other parts of the country to witness the games.
It was the concluding finals of the 2022 Grand Bassa County District Tournament, supported by ArcelorMittal Liberia.
Earlier in the day, Buchanan city won Glakon (District Two) in kickball before Glakon came back to collect a spectacular winin the football final after 90 minutes.
The atmosphere of final football game was the big crowds cheering for their favorite district teams, as talented young players tackled football while cheerleaders cheered endlessly.
The county district football league is an annual sporting event held at the district level in many counties.
The games draw significant local enthusiasm and traction, and can be leveraged to promote peace and unity.
ArcelorMittal’s support included provision of funds for the games and six large banners to promote the event.
ArcelorMittal also made available 150 complementary t-shirts, 50 face caps, 2,000 promotional flyers spectators at the entrance of the football field while 200 posters would be posted at strategic locations in vicinities of the football fields in the counties.
The company also made available hundreds of sack of people water for player and spectators for the games and made payment for live radio and TV coverage.
The global steel giant also paid for the printing of more than 6,000 branded tickets used for the quarter finals, semi finals and finals.
In collaboration with the Organizing Committee of the Grand Bassa District Tournament, ArcelorMittal made available 75 gold medals and 50 silver medals for the winners, and supplied competing district teams and technical staffs with safe-drinking water during the games.
Cash prizes were also made available for winners in both football and kickball categories.
Many citizens who spoke to Ablajay TV in and around the Dorris Williams Sports Stadium thanked ArcelorMittal for the support, and said the contribution to the district league was outstanding.
Mary Yavogar, a resident of Corn Farm community, said she was pleased that ArcelorMittal has taken a new direction aimed at helping its host communities to grow.
“This is the first time I have seen Mittal support the district league to help us cheer our districts to victory” she added. “I think this is good—that the company is now considering things that the citizens need.”
The organizing committee chair of the 2022 District Tournament, Daniel Baryogar, said the committee was “deeply grateful for the support”.
“Let me be fair to the company, this support came right in time and on time. We didn’t have what all we needed to make this league to go ahead,” Baryogar said.
ArcelorMittal said it believes sports can unite Liberians and provide the country with tangibles, time-honored traditions as well as the happiness that comes with lighthearted gaming.
The company has meanwhile committed to continue to support initiatives that have the ability to unite and promote peaceful coexistence.