Independence Stadium, Bakau – Friday, October 17, 2025
The Acting Executive Director of the National Sports Council (NSC), Mr. Mahmoud L. Jawla, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to promoting sports of all forms, including mind sports such as chess, across The Gambia.
He made these remarks at the Independence Stadium during a presentation ceremony where The Gift of Chess, through its Gambian ambassadors Cristina Aziz and Mathew Aziz, donated 100 chess boards to the Gambia Chess Federation.
Mr. Jawla commended The Gift of Chess and the Federation for their partnership in expanding the reach of chess to schools and communities. He noted that initiatives like these align perfectly with the National Sports Council’s vision to take sports to every corner of the country and empower young Gambians through innovative disciplines.
“The Ministry of Youth and Sports, through the National Sports Council, assures both the Federation and The Gift of Chess Foundation that we will always be here to support mentally, morally, and financially whenever the need arises,” Mr. Jawla affirmed.
“Our collective responsibility is to nurture talent, inspire discipline, and ensure that sports—whether physical or mental—serve as a tool for education, empowerment, and national development.”
The donation represents a significant step forward in the ongoing collaboration between The Gift of Chess and Chess in Gambian Schools and Communities, a youth-led initiative dedicated to promoting chess education nationwide.
Co-founder Cristina Aziz praised the growing enthusiasm for chess in The Gambia, emphasizing its power to shape young minds and build confidence.
“Through chess, we are helping children develop focus, social skills, and academic excellence,” she said. “Our goal is to make chess a household activity that inspires learning and inclusion.”
The President of the Gambia Chess Federation, Mr. Mass Jeng, expressed profound appreciation to The Gift of Chess for their consistent support and to the National Sports Council for their guidance and encouragement.
“This donation strengthens our grassroots programs and will help us reach more schools and communities,” he stated.
Founded in 2020, The Gift of Chess is a U.S.-based non-profit organization that seeks to distribute 1,000,000 chess sets worldwide by 2030, reaching educational, prison, and refugee communities. The organization views chess as a universal language that bridges divides and fosters equality.
As The Gift of Chess continues its global mission, The Gambia stands out as a success story—thanks to the unwavering support of the National Sports Council under the leadership of Mr. Mahmoud L. Jawla, who continues to champion initiatives that use sports as a means of empowerment and national unity.
“Chess is not just a game,” Mr. Jawla emphasized. “It is a platform for inclusion, critical thinking, and leadership development. And that is exactly what we want for our young people.”
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Sara Camara
Communication & PR Manager
National Sports Council