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Bertha
Williams Must Go!!!
Friday,
December 18, 2009
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Omari
Jackson |
In
the history of Liberian sports, particularly, track and field, the surname
Williams seems to provide surprises when least expected.
Few years ago, there was long-distance runner, Rita Williams, whose
incredible prowess on the track was very much impressive.
But like many things in this country, unfortunate things conspired
against the aspirations of the young woman, and when civil war erupted, it
became clear that Rita Williams’ expectations would not materialize.
The active life of an athlete depends on the athlete’s youth and
energy, and so in their prime if they are not provided with the necessities and
resultant challenges they sought after to soar above the stars, they eventually
succumb to age, and they are unable to pursue their dreams.
Sprinter Bertha Williams - Liberia
Like Rita Williams’ fate, names ex-stars long-distance runner, Nimely
Nah Twegbe, Liberia’s human-jet, broadcaster Hassan Omaru Kiawu, the
impressive idol Kate Clarke, among others, could not go further, due to
unfavorable conditions in the country.
But thank God Liberia is blessed with youths with interests in all
sports, and therefore the appearance of sprinter Abertha Williams on the local
scene should be a cause for rejoicing.
True, it may be too early to rejoice, since Ms. Williams deserves an
opportunity to compete on the international scene.
That Ms. Williams is a star in her own world is indicative of her victory
in the 2008 national county meet, and her current three-month pack with the
Rivercess Sports Association. According to NEW DEMOCRAT WEEKLY, Ms. Bertha
signed a three-month pact to run for the county track and field team in the
on-going 2009/2010 national county meet.
Her primary interest, the report said is, “For opportunities to compete
on the international scene.”
There are many of her kind determined to make some impact on the African
and the international scenes, and they can only do so when they are provided
with guidance and material support.
For starters, Ms. Bertha Williams won impressively in the 2008 County
Meet.
In everything, quality is not by accident but a consistent planning and
the provision of needed support.
The Liberia Track and Field Federation must explore its international
contacts, and find a way to provide those promising athletes the chance to
showcase their running skills as preparation for future competitions.
There is a habit where sports officials look up to Liberian athletes in
the United States to represent the country in international competitions, and I
think that should be minimized so that athletes at home can be developed to face
the challenges of their interests.
It means the Liberia Track and Field Federation should take advantage of
all the programs under the IAAF, its international parent body, and athletes
must be given every chance to compete in them.
The track federation must also take advantage over the business community
in Monrovia and encourage them to participate in its programs.
The recent impressive support of a cell phone company which paid
thousands of dollars to a German coach attached to the national soccer team
should convince track officials that with a well-thought out plan and a
businesslike attitude, there are businesses in Monrovia that can form
partnership to develop athletes like Bertha Williams for Liberia’s glory in
sports.
The NEW DEMOCRAT report quoted Ms. Williams, “I think I need more
chances now to compete with other athletes on the continent if my dream is to
come through in this discipline”.
Liberia track officials must give Bertha Williams and others in her field
the challenge to soar higher. This is because, according to the report, Ms.
Williams’ own admission is an indication that she and her friends deserve
every support.
She was quoted as saying, “Though I’m doing well locally, I still
believe that I need more outside strength in order to rise in my career.”
The question now is, can Ms. Williams get the challenge she has requested
for?
Omari Jackson lives in Metro Atlanta.
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