dyton mupawaenda
Youth Interaction Writer
SIX-YEAR-OLD Princess Dube from Bright Junior School in Victoria Falls is beaming with joy after winning the Matabeleland North Clash of Kings Under-8 Tournament held recently in the resort town.
Her remarkable achievement is set to inspire other children to embrace chess as both a sport and a hobby that can enhance their intelligence.In an interview, Princess could not hide her elation as she looked forward to claiming victory at the national finals later this year.
“I am very excited after winning the Matabeleland North finals. I am looking forward to participating in more tournaments as a young girl,” she said.
Princess, who was taught chess by a close relative, revealed that chess has helped her in critical thinking.
“Chess as a sport has helped me become who I am today, especially in critical thinking. As you know, chess encourages players to think ahead, anticipate opponents’ moves, and develop strategies, enhancing problem-solving abilities. This is the area where I love this game because it boosts our way of thinking and problem-solving,” she remarked.
The little genius also praised her mother, who has been supportive over the years.
“My mother is my number one fan when it comes to this game of chess. I love her so much because she has done a lot for me,” she stressed.
According to research, chess is a crucial sport for youngsters due to its ability to measure concentration and focus levels. The game requires sustained attention, which helps children improve their concentration skills over time. It has also been endorsed by experts for its ability to enhance memory.
Children are encouraged to take this sport seriously, as it helps them in many key areas of decision-making.
One such area is that chess assists them in remembering their moves, strategies, and positions, strengthening memory and cognitive functions among children.
As a sport, chess is essential for fostering creativity.
It allows players to explore various tactics and innovative solutions. In terms of discipline and patience, chess is a vital tool.
Learning chess teaches children the importance of patience and the value of taking their time to make decisions.
In terms of recognising children’s social skills, playing chess can improve social interaction and communication, as it often involves playing with others and discussing strategies.
It has also been established that chess enhances emotional resilience among children. Put simply, chess teaches kids to cope with winning and losing gracefully, fostering resilience and sportsmanship.
Mathematically, chess enhances logical reasoning and can improve mathematical abilities through pattern recognition and strategic planning.
Additionally, chess is important for goal setting, as it requires setting and achieving goals, which can translate to other areas of life and encourage perseverance.
Historians have also noted that chess has a rich history and is played worldwide, exposing children to different cultures and perspectives. Overall, chess serves as a valuable educational tool, promoting cognitive, social, and emotional development in young learners.
With Princess set for the national finals in Masvingo, she could be in line to become one of Zimbabwe’s little geniuses of the game at the age of six.
She still has another year to try her luck in the same competition if she misses the winners’ podium this year.
Online Reporter