Schools chess begins

Chess

THE Zimbabwe Chess Federation (ZCF) has described one of their flagship developmental events, the Crystal Candy National Schools tournament as a pathway to chess excellence in the country.

This year’s edition of the tournament is scheduled to run through February until mid-March with competition starting in districts across the country. It is organised by the ZCF Chess in Education Commission in partnership with Crystal Candy, the sponsor of the tournament.

It has been described as just not a competition but a journey that nurtures talent, promotes teamwork, and provides a platform for young chess enthusiasts to shine on national and international stages.

“The introduction of the Crystal Candy National Schools Chess Tournament has been a significant milestone for chess development in Zimbabwe. This initiative has garnered international recognition, with FIDE (International Chess Federation) Chess in Education Chair Jerry Nash visiting Zimbabwe to launch the first edition of the Preparation of Teachers Course.

“This course was a critical step in equipping educators with the skills to teach chess effectively, ensuring that the game becomes an integral part of the educational system. The visit by Jerry Nash underscored the global importance of chess in education and highlights Zimbabwe’s commitment to fostering a chess culture among its youth,” said ZCF Communications and Public Relations director, Agab Dozva.

The Crystal Candy National Schools Chess Tournament is a team-based competition that begins at the grassroots level and culminates in a grand national finale. The tournament is designed to be inclusive, ensuring that schools from all corners of Zimbabwe have an opportunity to participate and showcase their skills.

The tournament kicks off at the cluster level, where schools within the same locality or educational district compete against one another. This stage is crucial as it brings together budding chess players, many of whom are participating in their first formal chess competition. The cluster level serves as a foundation, encouraging teamwork and introducing students to the thrill of competitive chess.

Winning teams from the cluster level advance to the zonal competitions. Here, schools from different clusters within a zone battle it out for supremacy. The zonal stage raises the stakes, as only the best teams progress to the next level. It also provides an opportunity for players to test their skills against a wider pool of competitors.

The victorious teams from the zonal competitions move on to the district level.

This stage is more intense, with schools representing their districts and vying for a spot in the provincial finals. The district competitions are a melting pot of talent, where strategic brilliance and teamwork are put to the test.

District games will be held between 21 and 28 February 2025, with each district agreeing on a single day within this range that is ideal for their matches.

The provincial stage is where the competition reaches its peak. Winning teams from each district compete to be crowned provincial champions. proudly representing their provinces and aiming for a place in the national finals. national stage.

The National finals are the pinnacle of the Crystal Candy National Schools Chess Tournament. Here, the best teams from across Zimbabwe come together to compete for the ultimate prize. The national champions not only earn bragging rights but also secure the opportunity to represent Zimbabwe in international chess tournaments.

This stage is a celebration of talent, hard work, and the unifying power of chess. The finals will be held in Manicaland, with traveling days to and from scheduled for 14 and 17 March 2025, and playing days set for 15 and 16 March 2025.

“In addition to the prestige and opportunities that come with winning the tournament, participants are also motivated by the Crystal Candy hampers. These hampers, filled with delicious treats, add a touch of sweetness to the competition and serve as a token of appreciation for the hard work and dedication of the young chess players.

“The Zimbabwe Chess Federation has taken significant steps to spread the game across the country. By 31 December 2024, the ZCF had trained trainers and arbiters in 58 districts, with subsidies provided to reduce training costs. This initiative ensures that chess knowledge and expertise is accessible to all regions, fostering a nationwide chess culture. The goal is to make chess a part of every school’s curriculum, integrating it into the educational system to maximize its benefits for students,” said Dozva.

Registration for the tournament closes on Friday.

“The Crystal Candy National Schools Chess Tournament is more than just a competition; it is a movement aimed at promoting chess in schools, fostering a love for the game, and unearthing the next generation of chess champions. By participating, schools not only give their students a chance to excel in chess but also contribute to the growth of the sport in Zimbabwe. The ultimate goal is to have chess played in every school across the country, making it an integral part of the educational system,” Dozva added.