ECOWAS Empowers Youth and Women Through African Wrestling Tournament.
By Raymond Enoch
In a groundbreaking move that exemplifies its ongoing commitment to gender equality and youth empowerment, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has thrown its full support behind the ECOWAS African Wrestling Tournament, an initiative that is fast becoming a beacon of hope for young athletes across the region.
Among the many inspiring stories to emerge from this year’s tournament is that of Ebiatei Lienboyd, a young female wrestler whose journey from local obscurity to continental recognition has become a symbol of strength, resilience, and the transformative power of opportunity.
“We believe in promoting gender equality and youth empowerment both on and off the field,” a senior ECOWAS official stated during the closing ceremony. “By supporting initiatives like the ECOWAS African Wrestling Tournament, we’re helping young women like Ebiatei achieve their dreams and become role models for their communities.”
Held in Dakar, the event brought together hundreds of young athletes from ECOWAS member states, providing a platform not only for sporting excellence but also for cultural exchange, leadership development, and community upliftment. Wrestling, a sport deeply rooted in African tradition, served as the perfect vehicle for this vision — blending heritage with forward-looking ideals of inclusion and unity.
Ebiatei Lienboyd, only 19, captivated crowds with her technique, tenacity, and quiet determination. Raised in a small coastal town, her path to the mat was paved with challenges — from limited access to training facilities to cultural perceptions that discourage women from participating in contact sports. But with ECOWAS’ support, and that of her local mentors, she broke through those barriers.
“This tournament changed my life,” Lienboyd said, visibly emotional. “It’s more than wrestling. It’s about proving that young women can lead, can fight for their future, and can inspire others to believe in their own strength.”
The tournament is part of a broader ECOWAS Youth and Sports Development Program aimed at harnessing the potential of West African youth through sports, arts, and education. By centering female athletes like Lienboyd, the organization is not only leveling the playing field but also reshaping narratives across communities where gender inequality still hinders progress.
Observers from international development agencies and regional bodies lauded the tournament’s impact, noting that empowering youth through culturally resonant sports could play a crucial role in regional peacebuilding and sustainable development.
As the echoes of cheering fans fade from the arena, the legacy of this tournament endures — in every village girl who now dreams of competing, in every community rethinking the role of women, and in every youth who sees wrestling not just as a sport, but as a springboard for life.
ECOWAS’ message is clear: the future of West Africa is stronger, bolder, and more inclusive — and it’s already fighting its way to the top.
