Online Reporter
Don Makanyanga-Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE Zimbabwe Chess Federation (ZCF) says the prestigious FIDE Kick-starter Award presented to the country at the 2026 FIDE Year of Chess in Education Awards in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, is a big boost for the game.
Zimbabwe were among eight countries to receive the award, which was presented to ZCF president Todd Mapingire by FIDE deputy president Viswanathan Anand and FIDE Management Board chairperson Dana Reizniece-Ozola recently.
The recognition comes as Zimbabwe continues efforts to integrate chess into the national education system, with the game being incorporated into the national curriculum framework.
“We are extremely excited and humbled to receive this recognition from FIDE. The Kick-starter Award gives us confidence that we are on the right path in fulfilling our mandate to develop and grow chess in Zimbabwe,” said Mapingire.
The ZCF and the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education are working towards a Memorandum of Understanding that will formalise cooperation between the two institutions.
Under the proposed partnership, the federation will provide technical chess expertise, training and development support, while the ministry will provide the human capital and institutional structures necessary to facilitate the expansion of chess in schools nationwide.
Mapingire said the proposed MoU could further accelerate the development of school chess.
“This award is not only recognition of the Zimbabwe Chess Federation, but also recognition of the work being done by our partners, particularly the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, teachers, schools, parents, coaches and the wider chess community,” he said.
ZCF patron Mucha Mkanganwi said the recognition reflected the growing reach of chess in communities and schools, adding that the award encourages continued investment in grassroots development.
“I am very happy with the work being done by the Zimbabwe Chess Federation and with the progress that is being made in taking chess to communities and schools across the country.
“The Kick-starter Award should inspire us to continue supporting the development of chess, particularly in schools, where we can identify and nurture talent from an early age,” said Mkanganwi.
Grassroots initiatives that have been undertaken include Chess Kumusha, which has helped take the game into rural and underserved communities, with schools such as Sengwa Primary progressing from community-level participation to continental competition.
