Two Ghanaian junior chess players, Glenn Johnson Botwe and Alba Karina Quartey, have successfully joined their teammates at the 2025 World Schools Chess Championship in Serbia, thanks to the sponsorship of the Danny List Foundation.

The prestigious tournament, which began on March 21 in the Serbian town of Vrnja?ka Banja, features over 700 young players from 43 national federations competing across various age categories from Under-7 to Under-17, with separate events for boys and girls.

Travel setbacks overcome

Ghana’s junior chess team faced travel difficulties that initially prevented some players from making it to Serbia in time for the tournament. However, the Danny List Foundation, a non-governmental organisation dedicated to supporting children and young adults in sports development, stepped in to facilitate the participation of Botwe and Quartey.

With the foundation’s timely intervention, the two players—both pupils of Jane Montessori School in Tseaddo, Accra—joined the team and have since played their first matches. The duo earned their place at the championship after excelling in the African Trials held in Accra last year, securing their FIDE (International Chess Federation) IDs.

Commitment to chess development

According to Madam Angela List, Chairperson of the Danny List Foundation, the organisation’s decision to sponsor the young chess players and their mother was driven by its commitment to promoting lesser-financed sports such as chess as a tool for youth development.

"We believe in creating opportunities for young talents, especially in sports that do not always receive the needed financial support. Chess is an excellent sport for mental growth, and we are proud to support Glenn and Alba in showcasing their skills on the world stage," she stated.

The Danny List Foundation has been a longstanding advocate for sports development in Ghana, offering sponsorship and resources to young athletes and promoting chess in schools and communities across the country.

Gratitude from beneficiaries

The father of the two young chess players, Mr. Phil John Quartey, an Accra-based sports journalist, expressed his profound gratitude to the foundation, particularly to Madam Angela List, for the swift intervention that ensured his children’s participation in the championship.

"We are deeply grateful to the Danny List Foundation for stepping in at such a crucial time. Their support has given these young players the chance to represent Ghana on an international platform," he said.

He also acknowledged the contributions of TT Brothers Ghana Limited and Experts Consult Limited, whose additional sponsorship played a role in making the trip possible.

Team Ghana’s return date

The entire Ghanaian delegation, led by Ghana Chess Association President, Philip Ameku, is expected to return to Accra on March 31, following the conclusion of the World Schools Chess Championship.

With this opportunity, the participation of Glenn Johnson Botwe and Alba Karina Quartey highlights the growing impact of chess in Ghana and the importance of corporate support in nurturing young sporting talents.