–Seven-Day Training Supported by Olympic Solidarity and International Handball Bodies Equips New Officials with Modern Officiating Skills as LNHA Unveils Global Handball Ambassador
MONROVIA – Twenty young handball referees and table officials have successfully earned certification following the completion of a seven-day intensive training workshop organized by the Liberia National Handball Association (LNHA) at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex, marking another milestone in efforts to strengthen officiating standards and promote the growth of handball in Liberia.
The week-long program was designed to enhance the technical capacity of match officials by equipping participants with modern refereeing techniques, improved game management skills and a comprehensive understanding of the latest international handball rules and regulations.
The training was supported by Olympic Solidarity, the Liberia National Olympic Committee (LNOC), the Confederation of African Handball (CAHB) and the International Handball Federation (IHF). Sessions were facilitated by renowned IHF instructor Yalatima Ahmed Coulibaly of Côte d’Ivoire, who provided both theoretical instruction and practical demonstrations aimed at preparing participants to officiate matches at higher competitive levels.
Speaking during the graduation ceremony, LNOC President Cllr. Sylvester Rennie congratulated the newly certified officials and urged them to uphold the highest standards of integrity, fairness and professionalism in the discharge of their duties.
He emphasized that competent and impartial officiating remains one of the cornerstones of any successful sporting discipline and is critical to the continued development of handball in Liberia.
Assistant Minister for Sports Murvee Gray echoed similar sentiments, encouraging the graduates to serve as ambassadors for the sport by demonstrating discipline, consistency and ethical conduct whenever they take charge of matches.
He noted that investing in the training of referees and technical officials is essential to raising the quality and credibility of domestic competitions while creating pathways for Liberian officials to participate in regional and international tournaments.
A major highlight of the ceremony was the appointment of Miss Marlee Boakai, daughter of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, as Liberia’s Global Handball Ambassador. The honor was received on her behalf by her brother, Ignatius Boakai, who expressed appreciation for the recognition and pledged support for initiatives aimed at promoting the sport among young Liberians.
Meanwhile, LNHA President Aratus Larkpor dismissed reports suggesting internal divisions within the association, reaffirming that the federation remains united and fully committed to advancing handball across the country.
Larkpor said the association will continue prioritizing grassroots development, technical capacity building, referee education and expanded competitive opportunities as part of its long-term strategy to strengthen the sport nationwide.
He described the certification of the 20 young referees and officials as a significant investment in the future of Liberian handball, noting that well-trained match officials are indispensable to ensuring fair competition and maintaining confidence in the game.
The newly certified officials are expected to play a key role in improving the quality, consistency and credibility of handball competitions throughout Liberia while supporting broader national efforts to develop sports, nurture young talent and expand opportunities for youth participation in organized athletics.
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