Monrovia – The Minister of Youth and Sports, D. Zeogar Wilson, has labeled chess as a valuable sport that rallies men and women of intellectual minds and professional skills. The sports minister wants more young people to engage in the game of chess because it opens the mind of an individual. Minister Wilson was speaking over the weekend at the National Chess Federation headquarters during the federation’s 2022/2023 award ceremony. The Chess Federation awarded Bobby Ballah as the 2022-23 National Champion in the men’s category while Abigail Karyah claimed the Female National Champion, and the award was presented to Maryland county for their triumph in the just-ended National County Sports Meet as Champions.
By Jaheim T. Tumu- [email protected]
Making a special statement at the awards and honoring program, Minister Wilson said chess as a sport has the potential to be relevant in socioeconomic development programs and promoting social cohesiveness in Liberia. He indicated that chess is a unique game with narratives of real-life stories, especially in respect to the business and the political world. Said Minister Wilson, “The Liberia Chess Federation is a social institution with the potential to impact economic development.”
“Chess is a valuable sport. And come to think of it, sports globally have become an opportunity for professional and employable career development and an avenue for creating youth access to finance.” He challenged the Chess Federation to expand its scope for social transformation and economic growth.
“Marketing is vital here. People should get to know the potentials and the value you bring to national development and nation-building; when people get to know this sport and the people playing it, they will give value to this sport,” he said. He, however, encouraged the Federation to increase its visibility as an agenda item in its forward match for participation in national development.
“We at the MYS are available; we are your facilitators. We are your partners for youth development. And let me say that this program is reflective of the quality and capacity of the leadership driving this Federation. We are profoundly proud of you,” he said.
Making closing remarks, the president of the Chess Federation, Thomas Karyah, expressed his delight in the Ministry for its supportive role. According to him, the Chess Federation is extending its arms in other sectors, including chess in schools and prisons. Mr. Karyah also praised the winners for their performances in international competition.