Published: October 21, 2026
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MONROVIA — Liberia is preparing to host the 16th African Scrabble Championship, with an estimated 100 to 150 players and officials expected to converge in Monrovia for the continental tournament, scheduled for Oct. 22-25, 2026.
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The championship, organized by the National Scrabble Association of Liberia (NASAL), is expected to attract participants from several African countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, Cameroon and Sierra Leone.
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NASAL President Lester D. Morris Jr. announced the preparations Tuesday, Oct. 20, during the Ministry of Information’s regular press briefing in Monrovia.
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Morris described the tournament as an opportunity to strengthen Liberia’s participation in intellectual sports, attract international visitors and generate economic activity through sports tourism.
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He said hosting the championship would also provide Liberia with an opportunity to demonstrate its capacity to organize major continental sporting competitions.
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According to Morris, the official opening ceremony is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 22, at 9 a.m. in the Banquet Hall of the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Ministerial Complex in Monrovia.
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The four-day tournament will bring together some of Africa’s leading Scrabble players to compete for continental recognition while promoting intellectual development and sporting cooperation among participating countries.
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Morris said the arrival of international players, officials and other visitors could benefit hotels, restaurants, transportation providers and other local businesses.
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He emphasized that hosting international sporting events provides opportunities for economic activity beyond the competitions themselves.
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The NASAL president also acknowledged financial support from the Liberian government through the Ministry of Youth and Sports, headed by Minister Cornelia W. Kruah.
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He disclosed that the ministry has provided substantial financial assistance toward the championship’s budget, helping the association advance preparations for the event.
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Morris thanked President Joseph Nyuma Boakai and the Ministry of Youth and Sports for supporting the tournament, describing the contribution as an investment in intellectual sports and youth development.
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He also commended the Liberia Immigration Service for facilitating visa waivers for participating delegations.
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Additionally, Morris recognized the National Social Security and Welfare Corporation (NASSCORP) and the National Port Authority (NPA) for their contributions toward the championship’s prize pool.
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Despite the financial assistance received, Morris disclosed that NASAL is still seeking additional support to complete the prize pool for participating competitors.
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He appealed to the government, private businesses, development partners, sporting organizations and individuals to contribute toward the remaining financial requirements.
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According to him, additional funding would help the association recognize outstanding performances and successfully organize the continental tournament.
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Beyond the championship, Morris reaffirmed NASAL’s commitment to expanding Scrabble development across Liberia, particularly among students and young people.
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He described Scrabble as an intellectual sport that strengthens vocabulary, spelling, concentration, strategic thinking and decision-making skills.
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Morris said the association intends to expand its activities beyond Monrovia through school programs, community playing centers and grassroots competitions.
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He explained that these initiatives would provide more Liberian children and young people with opportunities to develop their intellectual abilities and participate in organized sporting activities.
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The NASAL president emphasized the importance of partnerships with educational institutions, government agencies and other stakeholders to increase access to intellectual sports nationwide.
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He also called on media institutions to promote the championship and highlight the educational benefits of Scrabble.
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Morris expressed confidence that the tournament would strengthen relationships among African Scrabble associations and encourage greater participation in the sport across Liberia.
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“Liberia is ready to welcome Africa. Together, let us make ASC 16 a success and build a stronger future for Scrabble and intellectual sports in our country,” Morris said.
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