The Liberia National Olympic Committee (LNOC) has challenged recent beneficiaries of a Coaching and Refereeing Beginner and Intermediate Course to apply their knowledge to drive sports development across Liberia. LNOC President Sylvester Rennie made the call at the closing ceremony of the Olympic Solidarity-funded training program held on October 31, 2026, in Monrovia. The 12-day course, which started on October 20, 2026, aimed to build capacity for regional sports development by bringing together coaches, referees, desk officers, and technical personnel.
Rennie emphasized that capacity-building platforms are essential for local technicians to impact others and drive grassroots sports development. He noted that the training program delivered high-level technical materials to participants, which would elevate overall performance and results if consistently applied. The LNOC President expressed gratitude to Olympic Solidarity for supporting the initiative and reiterated the committee's commitment to securing similar training opportunities for other sporting federations.
The training course, expertly led by Nigerian coach Akinloye Rotimi, focused on brushing up the skills of those who have had similar training in the past and serving as a foundation for new coaches who had no prior training. Rotimi reminded participants that their final assessment was not the true test of their abilities, but rather their daily practice and execution. He urged the coaches to raise the profile of Liberian tennis by adopting modern game tactics and mentoring athletes capable of competing internationally.
Addressing the issue of talent drain in local sports administration, Rennie described refresher courses for players, coaches, and key stakeholders as critical to institutional growth. He urged the beneficiaries not to keep their knowledge to themselves but to train young coaches and athletes. This, he said, would impact them for the good of the game. The LNOC leadership stated that capacity building has remained a priority since taking office in 2025.
The course was a collaborative effort between the LNOC and the Liberia Tennis Federation (LTF) with international partners to bring crucial training to Liberia for the first time in over 18 years. Rennie explained that Olympic Solidarity approved funding for the course to help align Liberian coaches with continental standards through professional mentorship and updated technical knowledge. The LNOC originally planned to host eight courses across various disciplines this year but faced administrative delays.
LNOC President Rennie posed a challenge to the beneficiaries, urging them to go out and train young coaches and athletes. He emphasized that this was the best way to impact them for the good of the game. The beneficiaries were also reminded that their evaluation as coaches begins now, and how they nurture their athletes and themselves will impact tennis in their community and the world at large.
The Liberia National Olympic Committee's efforts to drive sports development across Liberia have received a boost with the completion of the training course. The committee's commitment to securing similar training opportunities for other sporting federations is expected to have a positive impact on the country's sports industry. The training program has equipped beneficiaries with the skills and knowledge needed to transform Liberia's sports landscape.
Key points
- LNOC President Sylvester Rennie challenges beneficiaries of a 12-day tennis training course to apply their knowledge to drive sports development across Liberia.
- The training program aimed to build capacity for regional sports development by bringing together coaches, referees, desk officers, and technical personnel.
- The LNOC has expressed commitment to securing similar training opportunities for other sporting federations.
