Chess administrator Rhoda Olisa believes that when it comes to Chess and sports safeguarding, everyone has a vital role to play.
Mama Chess, aka Rodah Olisa Etole, is trailblazing a path for chess safeguarding and development in Africa. Since discovering the game through her husband twelve years ago, Rodah has been instrumental in cultivating a love for chess that extends far beyond her own household.
“Twelve years ago, my husband brought home a chess board, sparking a family tradition of friendly games with our children, which eventually led to a generous offer from a family friend to mentor them, igniting a passion for chess that has only grown stronger.”
Our passion for chess has intensified since then, and I have had the privilege of serving on the Chess Kenya Executive for ten years, first as Deputy Secretary General and now as Secretary for Gender and Special Needs.
Rodah, a social worker by profession, is convinced that safeguarding is a vital component of chess.
“Providing chess players with a protected and secure environment fuels their confidence to play to the best of their abilities.”