Although chess does not involve physical exertion, this International Olympic Committee recognised sport involves mental exertion, and requires amongst other intense concentration, strategic thinking, and problem-thinking skills.
This sport, which is also an affiliate of the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (Sascoc), is becoming increasingly popular in Kimberley and parts of the Northern Cape.
Last year in September, for example, approximately 290 chess players from around the world gathered in Kimberley for another edition of the Moja Chess Extravaganza, battling it out for the title of champion and the total grand prize of R200 000.
Promoting chess in community
As part of the possibilities to learn this sport and to promote it in the community, the Chess Tanza-Knights Chess Academy organised an open rapid chess tournament at the Beaconsfield Library in Kimberley.
During this event on 20 January, 16 players took part in five rounds, each lasting 10 minutes per side.
It was directed by Sharon Ahjum and Chernache Piers, both chess coaches.
“Every game is a story of growth and achievement,” Ahjum says, remarking that the academy nurtures young minds through the timeless game of chess.
At last week’s tournament, Joshua du Plooy obtained first position, Riyandré Graham second, and Savannah Ahjum third. Imihle Sinigisi obtained the best U14 position.
The academy was founded on the principle of “building minds; shaping futures” and is community focussed on using chess as a tool for contributing to a brighter future.
Chess improves concentration, logic thinking, creativity, problem-solving skills, mathematical thinking, patience, memory, self-control and IQ.
Ahjum, dedicated to chess since 2013, went from being a provincial chess player from 2014 to 2020, to a qualified coach, which led to the establishment of the academy in 2023. She is joined by Piers, another passionate and qualified coach.
The academy offers chess training for beginners and intermediate levels, from February to November.
For more information, call Ahjum on 062-027-3147 or visit Chess Tanza-Knights on Facebook.
- On Saturday, 3 February, the Frances Baard Schools Open Chess Tournament for all learners takes place at the Kimberley Technical High School.
Registration will be done from 07:00, and the first round commences at 08:15. Sections are U9, U11, U13, U15, U17 and U19. The closing date for entries is 1 February at 17:00 and the registration fee is R80 per player.
Visit chessnortherncape.com for the link to register, and for more information.
