Liberian
Athletes Threaten to Boycott Olympic Games
Bill
Rogers speaking at the press conference
June 17, 2004
A group of Liberian athletes have
threatened to boycott the forthcoming Athens Olympic if the expelled
Liberia National Olympic Committee (LNOC) former boss, Clemenceau
Urey is not reinstated.
The group headed by Liberia's track Ambassador,
Kouty Mawenh, Sayon Cooper and Bill Rogers said they are confidence
that Mr. Urey is the best man to lead the LNOC to the forthcoming
games.
During a press conference yesterday, Amb. Mawenh
maintained that the present leadership lacks credibility, structure
and will-power to move the federation forward. Although the athletes
did not say what the problems really are, they reiterated that Mr.
Urey's removal was improper.
Amb. Mawenh is said to be in the country on a
mission code name: "Operation Rescue Olympicism".
He is expected to meet with the Chairman of the
National Transitional Government of Liberia, Charles Gyude Bryant,
Youth and Sports Minister, Cllr. Wheatonia Dixon-Barnes and the
Youth & Sports Representative, Rufus Neufville.
The athletes also lashed at the LTFF and LNOC for
poor preparation for the pending Olympic games which come on in less
than 60 days from now.
They however refuted claims that they were being used
by Mr. Urey.
All effort to get word from the LNOC yesterday
proved futile. When the LTFF's boss was contacted by means of cell
phone, he declined to say anything but vowed to comment when Kouty
and his group allegations as well as their concerns are made public.
Observers see the latest trend of event as
dangerous for the coming games.
Mr. Urey expulsion by the LNOC was sanctioned by
International Olympic Committee following a thorough scrutiny of the
case.
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