YEKEPA–ArcelorMittal Liberia has deepened its support for sports in the country with the signing of a three-year sponsorship agreement with the Liberia Marathon Trust.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), signed on Tuesday at the company’s Monrovia offices, commits ArcelorMittal to contribute more than US $30,000 annually as a grand sponsor of the Liberia Marathon. The agreement marks a new phase in the long-standing partnership between the two institutions, aimed at promoting athletics and fostering national unity through sport.
ArcelorMittal Liberia’s Commitment
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Marcus Wleh, Head of Sustainability and External Relations at ArcelorMittal Liberia, described the sponsorship as the continuation of a fruitful collaboration with the Liberia Marathon Trust.
“We are committing ourselves for three years to the marathon as a proud and prime sponsor,” Wleh said.
“We look forward to hosting a very successful event once the date and time are confirmed. Beyond this, we are also exploring ways to support activities in our three operational counties—Grand Bassa, Bong, and Nimba.”
He disclosed that many ArcelorMittal staff, including himself, will participate in this year’s race, noting that the company is proud to contribute to such an important national event.
Liberia Marathon Trust’s Response
Charles Cooper, Board Chairman of the Liberia Marathon Trust, hailed the agreement as a major boost for the growth of the marathon, which has been held annually since 2011.
“We are very pleased to be signing this MOU, which secures a three-year sponsorship commitment,” Cooper said.
“This means we can begin preparations much earlier—supporting athletes, promoting the marathon, and reaching out to our international partners with enough time for them to plan to fly in for the event.”
He described ArcelorMittal Liberia’s sponsorship as a “substantial commitment” that would enable the marathon to expand its reach and impact.
Theme for 2025 Marathon
Cooper also announced the theme for this year’s marathon: “Healthy Cities and Healthy Lives.” He said the theme reflects the organization’s vision of using sports as a platform to promote wellness and vibrant communities across Liberia.
ArcelorMittal Liberia has been an active supporter of sports development in the country, with its most notable involvement in the National County Sports Meet, Liberia’s largest sporting festival.
In 2022, the company served as the prime sponsor of the tournament, contributing US $275,000, the largest single sponsorship in the event’s history. Of this amount, US $250,000 was directed to the Ministry of Youth and Sports for the organization of the games, while Nimba, Bong, and Grand Bassa counties—where the company operates—received targeted allocations. Observers described the move as a significant moment in the growth of corporate contributions to Liberian sports.
The sponsorship continued into the 2023–2024 edition, when ArcelorMittal contributed between US $80,000 and US $125,000 despite operational challenges. The funding supported the organization of the tournament, county-level preparations, and incentives for winning teams. Beyond the County Meet, the company has also provided smaller awards to grassroots teams, including River Gee and Rivercess counties, under its youth development initiatives.
The County Meet has long been viewed as a national platform for unity and reconciliation, and ArcelorMittal’s sustained sponsorship has played a role in ensuring its continuity and expansion. Analysts note that this form of corporate support reflects a broader trend of private sector involvement in national events that promote social development.
Alphonso Toweh
Has been in the profession for over twenty years. He has worked for many international media outlets including: West Africa Magazine, Africa Week Magazine, African Observer and did occasional reporting for CNN, BBC World Service, Sunday Times, NPR, Radio Deutchewells, Radio Netherlands. He is the current correspondent for Reuters
He holds first MA with honors in International Relations and a candidate for second master in International Peace studies and Conflict Resolution from the University of Liberia.
