Chess Mates Academy social chess tourney on

Nkosilathi Sibanda

MORE than 200 junior chess players are set to converge for the inaugural Chess Mates Academy social tournament slated for Old Miltonians Sports Club, in the city on Saturday.

This will be the first competition organised by the academy and is done in collaboration with the National Association of Primary School Heads (Naph), in a bid to promote the game in schools in the city and surrounding areas.

The tournament is open for the Under 10, 12 and 16 age groups. Chess Mates Academy director, Prisca Sibanda said they have upped their preparations for the tournament and were pleased by the response from schools in Bulawayo, Matabeleland North and Matabeleland South.

“This is our first major tournament of the year and as Chess Mates Academy we have planned to have as many tournaments targeting learners in primary and secondary schools. With this tournament, we have partnered with the National Association of Primary School Heads and we are hoping to convince schools to take up the sport, given the increasing number of learners who are keen to play.

“The broader aim is to spread chess and make it a popular sport. We want to demystify the belief that chess is played at well-resourced school. This is a game for everyone and children in all school, be it in the city or rural school, have to be exposed. In so doing, we will be unearthing raw talent and giving kids the much deserved opportunity to chart career paths in sport. We are happy that parents and teachers responded well to our call. The tournament will be at Old Miltonians Sports Club and we invite everyone to attend,” said Sibanda.

Chess Mates Academy started their programmes for the year in May, with Sibanda saying they will also be focusing on coaching and life skills impartation to players.

“As part of our plans, we want players to know more about the advantages of chess and sport in general. It has to be more than just playing. Players have to be taught life skills too. Training of teachers to be coaches is fundamental.”

-@NkosieLegend