Chess takes over Salt Rock cocktail bar for good cause

A cocktail bar in Salt Rock transformed into a battleground of minds as chess players gathered for a community outreach tournament last Saturday.

The North Coast Chess Club (NCCC) tournament raised funds for underprivileged children to learn the game, drawing enthusiastic players of all ages to St Yves Social & Cocktail Bar in the New Salt Rock Centre. St Yves, which is usually closed during the morning, opened its doors especially for the family-friendly charity event.

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Twenty-eight competitors travelled from as far as Amanzimtoti and Westville to take part in two events: an advanced round-robin for players ranked above 1 600 and a Swiss-pairing tournament for those below the 1 600 threshold, according to the World Chess Federation (FIDE).

NCCC founder Zoe Ellender said the event was organised to raise funds to pay for a term’s chess coaching at a Shakaskraal school.

“A lot of children want to play the game but have no one to teach them as many schools do not offer chess,” said Ellender.

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Ellender said there is a shortage of chess tournaments in KZN, prompting her and fellow NCCC parent Joelene Wilson to organise their own events.

The unusual location was a touch of luck for the tournament after the pair had been unable to find a suitable venue.

Help arrived when twin brothers Ayanda and Andile Ngidi, co-owners of St Yves – and accomplished chess players themselves – heard of their predicament.

“I was so excited and grateful when Andile said we could use their venue for free. I am so touched by their generosity,” said Ellender.

The Ngidi brothers, who earned high school scholarships through chess and were awarded KZN colours six times, went further by covering the arbiter’s fees and lunch for the event.

“Ayanda and I love playing our part in helping where we can in the community,” said Andile.

“Hosting a chess tournament at one of our venues allows us to give back to the cultural activity that gave us so much growing up.”

The NCCC meets every Wednesday evening at Ballito Hills Estate’s Bean There Restaurant.

For more information, contact info@northcoastchessclub.org

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