FOUR learners from Fulton School for the Deaf in Gillitts played friendly chess matches against deaf children from Kazakhstan recently.

The online games formed part of the World Chess Federation Olympiad for People with Disabilities which was being hosted in Astana, Kazakhstan. Although the four from Fulton had only minimal practise time before the event, the team emerged victorious from their matches.

Also read: The Browns’ School hosts chess tournament

“This was no doubt in no small part thanks to Mr Erick Takawira, National Chess Master and founder of the KZN Chess Academy. A short lesson or two on the importance of thinking strategically and how to “castle” to protect your King, Mr Takawira was able to guide the learners to victory,” said Fulton School principal, Odette Swift.

The principal said she is proud of the learners’ achievements, even though they were friendly games, and thanked the KZN Chess Academy and The Gift of Chess for the guidance, chess sets, coaching material and passion, which have ignited a spark at Fulton School.

Present on the day of the matches, Takawira said, “The online match was a huge success and showed the power of chess as a universal language, which bridges communication barriers and empowers children.”

In addition, he committed the KZN Chess Academy to working closely with Fulton to establish a chess league for deaf learners.

For more from the Highway Mail, follow us on Facebook , X and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok.

Click to subscribe to our newsletter here