Georgina Sackie has been crowned the 2024 Women’s Chess Champion of Liberia, earning the prestigious opportunity to represent her country on the international stage.
The intense championship, organized by the Liberia Chess Federation, concluded over the weekend, featuring some of the country’s finest female players.
Sackie secured the title after a series of challenging matches, including a tightly contested showdown with top contender Abigail Karyah.
Sackie expressed deep gratitude to her parents for their unwavering support that led to her victory.
“I want to appreciate my parents for their blessings, holy oil, and prayers that gave me strength throughout the tournament,” She said.
“Despite losing three consecutive games, I remain focused and determined to succeed, and today, I am proud to stand as the champion.”
Karyah, Sackie’s final opponent, also reflected on her performance, expressing optimism for future tournaments.
“I am not disappointed,” Karyah remarked: “I believe I will improve in the next tournament. I want to thank my friends for their support and urge them not to be discouraged. We also appreciate the sponsors and stakeholders who made this event possible.”
Meanwhile, the president of the Liberia Chess Federation, Thomas Karyah, praised both players for their exceptional performances, highlighting their contributions to the growth of women’s chess in the country.
In a related development, the Federation’s 8th General Assembly, initially scheduled for Saturday, May 17, 2025, at its headquarters on 9th Street, Sinkor, Monrovia, has been postponed due to low attendance.
Only 16 out of the expected 54 members were present, falling short of the required 40 members to form a quorum.
Deputy Minister of Sports, Andy Quamie, addressed the gathering, expressing concern over the low turnout.
“Staying away from this 8th General Assembly does not reflect well on the chess federation,” Quamie stated. “Chess is a mentally demanding sport that sharpens the mind and requires deep concentration and strategy.”
He encouraged the federation’s leadership to remain resilient despite the setback, praising Mr. Karyah for his dedication to promoting chess in the country.
“Do not be discouraged,” Karyah said, adding “You are doing your best for the Federation,” Quamie remarked, urging absent members to renew their commitment to the growth and development of sports.
Karyah, in his address, called for unity among members, emphasizing the need to set removed personal differences for the greater good of the Federation.
“We met chess here, and we will leave it here,” Karyah said.
“If you have personal issues with someone, let us put them aside and unite as professionals for the growth of the Chess Federation.”
The assembly will be rescheduled, with the federation’s leadership expressing hope for greater participation in the future.