President Jacob Zuma today, Tuesday 22 December, attended the inaugural KwaZulu-Natal chess tournament held at Nkandla community hall in KwaZulu-Natal.
The tournament was organised at the request of the president in order to teach the youth patience and strategic thinking, and to promote recreational activity in rural areas.
President Zuma, an ardent chess player, wants to see the game being rolled out to various remote communities of the province as it requires minimal infrastructure.
60 youths from schools in the Nkandla and neighbouring areas took part in the tournament. The group consisting of players at a learner level varied in age with players as young as 11 to players the age of 21. The tournament also included an open category for members of the public to participate.
President Zuma called on young people to take up the sport of chess as it contributes to the development of strategic thinking which is an important element of life for school going children. He said chess was the most exciting sport even though it did not rank in the same level of popularity as soccer and rugby.
President Zuma also called on the private sector to assist with corporate sponsorship in support of rural development through sponsoring the game of chess in rural areas. This, the President believes will contribute in shaping young people to future thinkers that will lead the country in different disciplines.
President Zuma praised the organisers for bringing chess to a rural area. KwaZulu chess President, Sandile Xulu said his passion for development and attachment to his place of birth, Nkandla, led him to organise the tournament and launch a development platform for the sport. Xulu, who attended urban former model C schools, said his schooling helped him learn the sport.
After 10 years of playing competitive chess, Xulu, is now focusing on developing young talent from rural areas of KwaZulu-Natal. He continues to play competitive chess through the Durban chess club and the Durban Metro Chess Academy.
“Chess gives young people the opportunity to compete, regardless of race or social standing. It provides a field of ideas, concepts and strategy for young growing minds”, says Sandile Xulu, President KwaZulu chess.
President Zuma’s final call went to school teachers, whom he said must encourage the spread and the development of the game of chess in all schools.
For more information contact:
Vincent Magwenya
Cell: 072 715 0024
Sandile Xulu
President, KwaZulu Chess/Organiser
Cell: 082 455 4730
Tel: 031 368 3585
Issued by: The Presidency
22 December 2009
Source: The Presidency (http://www.thepresidency.gov.za/)
