malvernmugadzikwa
Online Reporter
IN its attempts to promote gender equality and diversity, the Zimbabwe Chess Federation (ZCF) will field a women’s team for the Intercontinental Online Chess Championship for Prisoners.
More than 100 teams from 46 countries across the globe will battle for honours at the tournament between October 11 and 13.
The tourney, which is in its third edition, is specifically designed for prisoners, and is organised by the International Chess Federation (Fide) in partnership with the Chicago Cook County Sheriff’s Office in the United States of America.
In the past two editions, Zimbabwe has fielded a men’s team only.
That is about to change, as Zimbabwe will have two teams for the annual tournament.
“We are ready to participate in the Intercontinental Online Chess Championship for Prisoners, and the one notable highlight of this year’s event for us, as a federation, is that we will be sending a women’s team for the first time.
“As an association, we are driven by the need to promote gender equality and diversity in sport.
“We registered our female team for the first time, and we are confident that they will fly the country’s flag high,” said ZCF secretary-general Todd Mapingire.
The women’s team hope to emulate the achievements of the men’s team, who finished second at the inaugural tournament.
The Zimbabwe team was selected during the Commissioner General’s Behind the Wall Chess Tournament held between June 10 and 11 2023.
Each of the 100 teams set to participate in the championships will consist of four players and substitutes.
Mapingire was full of praise for the association’s partners, who helped ensure that the team is well-prepared for the championships.
“As the Zimbabwe Chess Federation, we would like to express our gratitude to the Zimbabwe Prison and Correctional Services (ZPCS) for pulling their resources and personnel to guarantee the continued participation of Team Zimbabwe,” he said.
Online Reporter