Young Liberian Athlete Stranded in Colombia

CEDAR PARK, Texas - July 25, 2015 - PRLog -- Liberian track and field athlete Mason Zaza Weh Jr (17 years old) who went to Colombia to represent his country Liberia, was denied re-entry into the United States due to document irregularities.  Mason lived in the U.S.A. since age 4 and is currently in Colombia after competing for Liberia at the 9th International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) World Youth Championships on July 16, 2015.  Mason placed 3rd in the 110m Hurdles (91.4cm) Boys semi-finals at Estadio Olimpico Pascual Guerrero, a stadium in Santiago de Cali, Colombia.  This qualified him to represent Liberia in the African Games on September 11, 2015 in Brazzaville, Congo.

The Bill Rogers Youth Foundation setup a GoFundMe account where donations can be sent and is appealing to the international community to donate to this worthy cause and help Mason Zaza Weh, a young stranded track athlete.  Donate at http://www.gofundme.com/4mg87g25c

Mason Weh, a promising student athlete, received a full athletic scholarship at University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).  An incoming senior at Upper Darby high school, Weh is an active athlete and member of Royalty Track Club.  Video interview of Mason Weh taken at IAAF race in Colombia posted by the National Scholastic Athletics Foundation. https://www.facebook.com/121260326686/videos/vb.121260326...

The Bill Rogers Youth Foundation is appealing to the government of Liberia to help fly Mason from Colombia to USA, and to sponsor his trip to Congo for the African athletic championship in September 2015. “We are appealing to all Liberians, all Africans, all people and interested parties to support the effort for Mason to travel out of Colombia. Mason is a God fearing young man. We have faith that God will open doors for Mason to be reunited with his family, team mates, classmates and the community.” stated Mr. Rogers.

Mrs. Fatima Mohammed, Liberian International Athlete Affairs Officer and coordinator for the Liberian International Federation, sponsored Mason’s trip to Colombia.  Speaking from Los Angeles California, Fatima was distressed when describing the situation. “Mason is a very charismatic and hard working young man who respects people and listens to his coach.  I appreciate what The Bill Rogers Youth Foundation has done for Mason by helping to disseminate information about our stranded Liberian athlete Mason Weh.” According to Mr. Bill Rogers, “Fatima has been a role model for the Liberian team and she is a strong supporter”.

Mason’s Coach Charles Sawyer issued a passionate plea for help by stating, “Please set my athlete free.  Mason traveled to Colombia with $20.00 U.S. dollars to my knowledge. There’s a huge language barrier in Colombia, a country whose official language is Spanish. We need an international attorney who understands the appropriate legal channels to ensure Mason can depart Colombia and for the Liberian government to champion the transition of Mason out of Colombia.  Mason needs to be back with his family in the U.S. and preparing for competition with his coaching staff.  His family and his team mates from Upper Darby high school and Royalty Track Club miss him dearly.  Please keep doing your best to make sure Mason returns home.”

Contact Information:
Mr. Bill Rogers
Bill Rogers Youth Foundation
Website: billrogersyouthfoundation.org

Mrs. Fatima Mohammad
Liberian International Federation
Liberian International Athlete Affairs Officer