By Jessica Cox
MONROVIA, Liberia — The National Scrabble Association of Liberia (NASAL) says it has received substantial financial support from the Government of Liberia for the 16th African Scrabble Championship (ASC 16). However, the association is seeking additional contributions to complete the tournament’s prize pool ahead of the competition scheduled for October 22–25 in Monrovia.
NASAL President Lester D. Morris Jr. made the disclosure during a press briefing at the Ministry of Information. He outlined preparations for the continental championship and appealed to the private sector, development partners, sporting organizations, and individuals to help meet the remaining financial needs.
According to Morris, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, under the leadership of Minister Cornelia W. Kruah, has provided financial assistance covering a large portion of the tournament’s budget. He expressed appreciation to President Joseph Nyuma Boakai and the Ministry of Youth and Sports for supporting the championship, describing the contribution as an investment in Liberia’s sporting future and the development of intellectual sports.
However, Morris did not disclose the amount contributed by the government or the outstanding sum needed to complete the prize pool. He said additional support would enable NASAL to appropriately recognize the achievements of participating players and deliver a championship that meets continental expectations.
The 16th African Scrabble Championship is being organized under the auspices of the Pan African Scrabble Association (PANASA). It is expected to attract between 100 and 150 players and officials from across Africa. Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, Cameroon, and Sierra Leone are among the countries expected to participate.
The official opening ceremony is scheduled for Thursday, October 22, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. at the Banquet Hall of the Ministerial Complex in Monrovia.
Morris also acknowledged the support of the Liberia Immigration Service for granting visa waivers to facilitate the entry of participants. He thanked the National Social Security and Welfare Corporation (NASSCORP) and the National Port Authority (NPA) for contributing toward the prize pool.
He said Liberia’s hosting of the championship presents an opportunity to strengthen the country’s profile in continental sports while promoting sports tourism and creating potential business opportunities for hotels, restaurants, and transportation providers.
Beyond the competition, Morris emphasized the role of Scrabble in education and youth development. He noted that the game promotes vocabulary development, spelling, concentration, strategic thinking, and decision-making.
He said NASAL intends to expand the sport beyond Monrovia through school programmes, community playing centers, and grassroots initiatives designed to increase participation among children and young people. According to Morris, the association wants to create more opportunities for young Liberians to develop their intellectual abilities, discover their talents, and participate in organized competitions.
He added that cooperation among NASAL, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, educational institutions, and other stakeholders would be important to achieving these objectives.
Morris also called on the media to publicize the championship, recognize its partners, and educate the public about the benefits of Scrabble. He described ASC 16 as more than a sporting competition, saying it offers an opportunity to promote intellectual development, youth empowerment, national pride, and unity among African countries.
As preparations continue ahead of the October 22 opening, NASAL is urging the public and private sector to contribute toward completing the prize pool and supporting the successful hosting of the event. Morris welcomed the participating delegations and expressed optimism that the championship would help strengthen Scrabble and intellectual sports in Liberia.
