Joseta Neufville-Wento, Manager of the National Road Fund, has called on Liberia’s chess delegation to remain focused as they prepare to represent the nation at the upcoming World Chess Olympiad in Budapest, Hungary.
Speaking to the team during a motivational session at the Liberia Chess Federation (LCF) headquarters over the weekend, Neufville-Wento emphasized the significance of their participation and urged the players to aim high.
The Liberian delegation, which includes a number of young female players, will depart for Hungary to compete in the 45th World Chess Olympiad, scheduled for September 10-23, 2024.
The event will bring together teams from approximately 200 countries, making it one of the most prestigious gatherings in the global chess community.
Neufville-Wento highlighted the importance of the young team’s representation on the world stage, noting that it reflects Liberia’s youthful demographic, with over 70 percent of the population being young people.
“A young team flying the Liberian flag at the largest chess gathering in the world is a significant achievement. It symbolizes the potential and dynamism of our youth,” she said.
She encouraged the players to use this international experience as a platform for personal and professional growth, urging them to remain focused and avoid distractions.
“This is an opportunity not just to compete, but to learn, to ask questions, and to gain a deeper understanding of the game. You are at the Olympiad because you have earned the right to be there, and you should approach it with confidence and focus,” Neufville-Wento advised.
In discussing the team’s objectives, which include achieving a top 100 ranking at the Olympiad, Neufville-Wento set an even higher bar. She expressed confidence in the abilities of Liberia’s young players, suggesting that with the right mindset and determination, they could aim for a spot among the top ten countries.
“Why settle for the top 100 when we have the potential to be in the top 10? Liberia’s youth are exceptionally talented, and the only thing that sets them apart from their peers globally is the availability of opportunities,” she stated.
Neufville-Wento’s words have set a tone of high expectation and ambition for the Liberian chess team as they prepare to compete on the global stage. With her encouragement, the team is inspired to strive for excellence and to represent Liberia with pride and determination.
