Margibi County– Members of the Liberian Chess delegation to the 45th World Chess Olympiad returned home on Tuesday, September 24, 2024, to a warm reception from a few fans, media, and airport authorities.
By: Thomas Kojo Roulhac, contributing writer
The team faced numerous challenges during the competition due to a lack of government support.
Departing late on Monday, September 9, 2024, the delegation had to rely on credit from business people after the government failed to provide the allotted US$40,000 for players’ tickets and preparations, FrontPageAfrica gathered.
Reports surfaced before the conclusion of the month-long event in Hungary, indicating that the financial situation led to players of the open session team boycotting games, significantly affecting the team’s overall performance and morale.
Despite the challenges, the women’s team showcased remarkable talent and resilience. Two players, Abigail Karyah and Georgina Sackie, emerged as shining stars.
Abigail Karyah, a high school student, secured eight wins from eleven rounds, earning the title of Women FIDE Master (WFM) from the African Chess Confederation (ACC).
Georgina Sackie, the current national female champion, also earned the title of Women FIDE Master just a day after becoming a Woman Candidate Master with six wins from eleven matches.
At Roberts International Airport, Emmanuel James, a follower of chess, expressed frustration with the Liberian government’s alleged lack of support for sports. He argued that both past and current governments have failed to improve sports in the country.
“If the government had provided support, the entire team would have achieved better results,” he alleged.
For his part, LCF President Thomas Karyah, called on the government to release the allotted funds to enable the federation to reimburse those who extended credit to the federation.
“Firstly, let me thank the government for allowing us to operate as a federation in the country, but it is time they provide the money so we can pay back those who credited us,” he explained, visibly emotional.
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