By S. Siapha Mulbah
The Liberia Chess Federation (LCF) President Thomas Karyah has been appointed by the World Chess Federation (FIDE’s) president on Chess in Education Commission.
The president of the global movement of Chess Players Arkady Dvorovich accordingly named the Liberian veteran Chess master following nominations made during the last edition of the federations’ Olympic held in Turkey last August.
Speaking to sports reporters following the release on his appointment, Karyah expressed joy being one of fifteen African chess players appointed to serve on the leadership bench of the World Chess Federation.
He said though nominations were made in August at the Olympic, his appointment to the commission of chess in Education is a dream come true to take the next generation of chess players to a higher height.
According to him, the commission’s chess in education being one of the cardinal commissions under FIDE organization, his appointment will enable Liberia get connected to the world of chess.
Karyah revealed that his appointment to the commission does not in any way limit his working to the Liberian chess community but will ensure that other programs under the federation in Liberia improve.
“This is one commission that is very pivotal to the global chess community and joining this commission through appointment is welcoming as one of the fifteen Africans called to leadership in the game worldwide,” the LCF president said.
He maintained that as a commissioner, he is going to work with the commission’s chairperson and other members so that the chess in education program in Liberia stands out and be more improved through advocacy and other initiatives.
“It is my name on the list as an appointee to the commission but it is a great news to Liberia and the LCF. We come to the leadership table with desire to take chess to our young people educational program,” he noted.
The Liberia Chess Federation master added that that the federation is now in the process of taking chess to high schools across the country and will have a re-launch the chess in education program during the national chess championship.
He explained that during the Chess Olympic there were conversations with some of the committee members to visit Liberia with the aim of conducting trainings for Liberia most especially students to make chess a tool that can be used in addressing critical situations coming out with solution-oriented steps.
The Liberian Chess master will according to the world chess body serve the position with all those appointed for the period of four years till 2026.
