Published: January 9, 2026
MONROVIA — London-based Slovak International Master Stefan Macak has concluded a six-day visit to Liberia that blended competition, education and social impact, strengthening ties between the International Chess Polytechnic (iCP) and the Liberia Chess Federation.
Macak, who arrived in Liberia on Dec. 19, visited as part of iCP’s broader mission to expand chess education, support youth development and promote international collaboration. The tour featured coaching clinics, youth training, competitive events and a groundbreaking prison-based chess program.
Training Coaches and Young Players
Early in the visit, Macak—who is also the founder of Chess in Africa—led a one-day training workshop for Liberian coaches and trainers, introducing modern instructional techniques and digital tools aimed at strengthening local capacity.
He also conducted introductory sessions for 12 selected children at the iCP office, teaching the fundamentals of chess, tactical awareness and basic endgame principles. During the workshop, Macak emphasized the role of chess in intellectual development and critical thinking.
“Chess is more than a game,” Macak told participants. “It builds discipline, focus and creativity—skills that young people can carry into the future.”
Chess Behind Prison Walls
One of the most notable components of the visit was the launch of a chess program at Monrovia Central Prison, where 37 inmates—including juveniles, men and women—participated in three separate instructional sessions focused on mental stimulation and rehabilitation.
The initiative, described by officials as “security-sensitive,” was coordinated with the Ministry of Justice and prison authorities. Organizers said the program demonstrated chess’s potential as a rehabilitative and educational tool within correctional settings.
iCP Global President William T. Thompson announced that chess materials and program protocols have been mobilized to sustain the prison initiative, with plans for continued collaboration. He added that certificates will be issued to participants in the coaches’ training, youth workshops and exhibition events.
Competitive Highlights
The tour culminated in a simultaneous exhibition at Monkey Beach in Congo Town on Dec. 21, where Macak faced 18 of Liberia’s top players. Jamal Ghoson emerged as the only Liberian to defeat the visiting master, a result widely praised as a sign of the country’s growing competitive strength.
The beach exhibition was followed by rapid chess tournaments at the iCP Chess Hub at Invincible Park in Monrovia, further energizing the competitive side of the visit.
Praise for Liberia’s Chess Movement
Before departing, Macak praised iCP and the leadership of the Liberia Chess Federation for their commitment to expanding chess nationwide.
“From what I have seen, it is time the world joins hands in supporting iCP to get more people playing chess globally,” he said, urging international players and organizations to collaborate with Liberia in developing chess talent.
Thompson echoed those sentiments, commending the LCF’s leadership and reaffirming iCP’s commitment to supporting national federations and local chess institutions.
“At the heart of what we do at iCP is supporting national federations and grassroots chess development with integrity and leadership,” Thompson said. “The current LCF leadership aligns with that vision, and we will continue working together to grow chess across Liberia.”
A Lasting Impact
Organizers say Macak’s visit leaves a lasting imprint on Liberia’s chess landscape. From training young players and empowering coaches to introducing chess in correctional facilities and staging high-level competition, the tour highlighted both the sporting and social value of the game.
The visit is being hailed as a milestone for Liberia’s chess sector—one that showcased the country’s growing talent while underscoring chess’s role in education, rehabilitation and international exchange.
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