Chronicle Editor
Nkosilathi Sibanda, Sports Correspondent
THE game of chess is fast gaining ground at schools in Bulawayo and Matabeleland provinces, as there is a growing interest among young learners who have since taken to the sport of late.
This follows a reach out programme by Chess Mates Academy done in conjunction with the National Association of Secondary Heads (Nash) and the National Primary Heads (Naph) that started last year at Montrose High School in the city, with the aim of recruiting youngsters to the game.
As part of efforts to diversify sporting disciplines in schools, Nash and Naph have included chess and other minority sports codes, aligning to the main schools’ curriculum. According to Chess Mates Academy director Priscah Sibanda, ever since they started their initiative, the sport’s popularity has grown, with a number of schools registering to take part.
“The partnership we have with schools has paid dividends as we now register many pupils than before,” she said.
Nash president Arthur Maposa said it is within their mandate as custodians of schools sport to make sure they motivate learners to take part in all sport codes available in the country.
“The underlying factor is to expose our learners to all forms of sport and recreation. This is to teach them to explore other talents outside academics. As for the game of chess, the uptake has been amazing,” he said.
Sibanda is of the belief that the synergy between Chess Mates Academy and schools would impact life changing opportunities for players
“The goal is not just to assemble children and teach them chess basics, but to train and make them play the game in a way that is going to change their lives and open opportunities.”
“We are just starting and we are grateful to the parents, schools and the corporate world that have come on board to assist. Without junior sport investment, games like chess are dead. This is why I want to be heavily involved with this game. I have noticed when the children play, they are joyful and give inspiration to others and the community at large,” said Sibanda.
The opening of the chess season this year has attracted even players as young as 6 years of age into the programme.
“It is pleasing to watch toddlers having an interest in the game here at Chess Mates Academy. We have six-year-olds who are fast learning how to go about the chess board. If parents and teachers would allow the children to express themselves in such a way, then it means the future is promising.
“At a time when the game of chess is gaining popularity in schools, support from academies such as Chess Mates is needed. The overall objective is to empower communities through sport,” she said.
Bongani Ndlovu