Liberia proposes $261M disability sports village
Amb. S. Lionel Johnson envisions a 10-year project to build accessible facilities and provide specialized support for athletes with disabilities.
Amb. S. Lionel Johnson, founder of the proposed Liberia National Disability Sports Village, has put forward a plan to build a dedicated home for disability sports in Liberia. The project, estimated to cost between US$261 million and US$506 million over 10 years, aims to start with a national high-performance wheelchair basketball center and expand into an international sports destination.
This initiative seeks to reduce barriers such as limited access to specialized facilities, equipment, and training for athletes living with disabilities. The proposed village would offer accessible sports facilities, specialized coaching, sports medicine, and technical support, potentially creating employment and attracting international partnerships.
The proposal aligns with the Liberian government's ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID), which prioritizes inclusion and opportunities for persons with disabilities. While the ambition is significant, the project faces a major hurdle in securing funding, with feasibility studies and detailed designs still required.
Why it mattersAthletes with disabilities in Liberia will have greater opportunities to develop their talents and compete on a more equal footing if the proposed sports village is realized.