Rearing a South African Grand Master

Newcastle could well be home to the next Garry Kasparov.

With that in mind, Blackrock Casino has for the second year sponsored two schools in the area to participate in the Tsogo Sun Moves for Life programme.

To them, using chess to prepare children for life is both fun and rewarding.

The Moves for Life initiative is uniquely South African, aiming to instil a love for mathematics, science and language in children from a young age.

Since 2010, it has grown from 10 schools in Gauteng to over 120 schools nationwide.

Moves for Life unlocks the cognitive potential in children through structured chess activities within two subprogrammes, namely MiniChess for children between 5 and 8 years old, and MasterMoves for children older than 8.

In these programmes, chess is used as way to creatively linking the three subjects in a fun way.

Hlabana Primary and Nokukhanya Primary Schools in Madadeni and oSizweni respectively, will benefit from the chess programme, specifically for Grades 1 to 3.

Blackrock hopes to establish a chess club for both schools after the final bell has rung.

The casino’s donation will also cover training materials for the year, a tutor from Moves for Life, and help with teacher training.

“Chess builds character and team spirit; it unlocks the cognitive potential of a child, introduces them to essential life skills and the basics of strategic planning for life career and business. Yet it does not need specialised facilities. Chess is inexpensive and within the reach of children from all walks of life,” said Blackrock Marketing Manager, Veneshrie Chetty.

“Through our sponsorship and all its phases, the Moves for Life programme benefits not only the able-bodied and sporty but children across the board, including pupils with physical disabilities. We are incredibly proud to be a part of this amazing initiative.”

For further information, call Blackrock Casino on 034 328 1777.