NFL Player Endorses Mercy Ships

Monrovia, Liberia - President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has commended Mercy Ships for its continuous support in revamping Liberia’s health sector.  The President said efforts by Mercy Ships have left an indelible mark on Liberians which can never be forgotten.
 
According to an Executive Mansion release, the President spoke Tuesday at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs when she met with officials of Mercy Ships. The visit by Mercy Ships authorities was also graced by Malcolm Kelly, an American football star from the United States. Mr. Kelly, who plays professional football for the Washington Redskins in America’s National Football League (NFL), is currently in the country to conduct an athletic speed and fitness program for Mercy Ships. The program, which is on-going at the Samuel Kanyon Doe (SKD) Sports Complex in Paynesville, includes 40 local athletes from various sporting disciplines.

President Johnson Sirleaf commended Kelly for identifying with the Mercy Ships cause. She recalled that Mercy Ships came to Liberia at a time when the country’s health services needed to be fully reconstituted. The process, the President noted, began with “giving the young people of Liberia a new lease on life.” The Liberian leader further commended Mr. Kelly for thinking about Liberia as the country strives to rebuild after a  ‘difficult past,’ challenging him to share his experiences and goals with young Liberian children.

For his part, Mr. Kelly expressed his pleasure in contributing to the success of Mercy Ships’ outreach programs. He promised to return to Liberia to continue the program as well as explore other areas for possible assistance.