Thanks to a generous donation from local business True Technologies, the Aston Bay Chess Club in Jeffreys Bay will be hosting a beginners’ chess tournament for 20 young people, where they will be taught how to become skilled chess players.
Kouga Sports Council, with Chalwyn Lippert as president, has joined the chess tournament as a partner.
George Werner, the chess tournament organiser, said that the chess club, which was established in 2023, currently has about 50 members from the community.
“It’s important for young children to play chess because it assists with their intellectual and mental abilities, teaches them to focus and concentrate, and improves their cognitive abilities,” said Werner.
He mentioned that Tina Ekerman, the director of True Technologies and a member of the Aston Bay Chess Club, is passionate about chess and the development of young people.
To assist more young people in the area, Werner said that True Technologies generously donated funding to the club to offer a six-week chess tournament for beginners.
He mentioned that they are looking for 20 children in Grades 1 to 7 who are interested in participating in the tournament.
The tournament will serve as chess training with five coaches.
Werner said that they are also seeking assistance from five coaches in the area.
“The objective of the training is to broaden the number of youngsters who play chess,” said Werner.
He mentioned that the coaches will focus on teaching each child 35 fundamental principles of playing good chess.
Werner added that the children will be given chess puzzles to solve and will play multiple chess games under the guidance of their coach to develop effective strategies.
In addition to the six-week programme, he said that each child would be given a free one-year membership to the club and would be given automatic entry to the open tournament later this year.
Werner further said that the top players that emerge will also be given specialised coaching by highly skilled and qualified professional coaches.
“The tournament will impact local communities by improving school results, keeping kids off the streets, and making them happier with a sense of accomplishment,” said Werner.
The first prize for the tournament winner will be R500 and a trophy, with R300 for second place and R200 for third. The top three coaches will receive the same prizes.
Werner said that the training would begin once they have a total of 20 children and five coaches who have registered for the chess training tournament.
For information or to register as a participant or coach, send a WhatsApp message to George Werner at 071 346 6922 or email george@actnow.co.za.
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