Chess fever hits Mams youngsters
Playing chess helps improve the memory of learners in terms of planning, thinking, conflict resolution, discipline, and boosting their confidence.
All 42 learners from Mamelodi who participated in the Chess for Peace tournament went home with medals.
The learners were participating in a tournament organised by Curro Academy Mamelodi together with the Center for World Peace on Saturday.
Ashely Mapokgole from the NPO said this is the first time they held the tournament, and five primary schools from Mamelodi, including Tshegofatsong Special School and the host Curro Academy Mamelodi, participated.
He said the tournament was an introduction to chess for most of the learners.
“Playing chess helps improve the memory of learners in terms of planning, thinking, conflict resolution, discipline, and boosting their confidence,” said Mapokgole.
The learners from different schools receive coaching from people around Mamelodi who are playing chess, and training takes place on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
Mapokgole said playing chess helps a lot, especially with concentration and memory, as most learners are having a tough time concentrating in class.
“Most of the learners who are playing chess will improve a lot in their school, especially in difficult subjects.”
The Center for World Peace is an NPO that was formed in 2020 and seeks to promote global peace through arts, sports, games, skills development and training programmes.
Rebaone Modiri from Curro Academy Mamelodi said the school hosted a chess tournament, “Chess for Peace Tournament”.
He said the schools that took part in the tournament were Tshegofatso Special School, Legora Primary School, Sediba Sa Thuto Primary School, Meetse A Bophelo Primary School, and Curro Academy Mamelodi.
“The tournament is still in the development stages, and at this moment learners are from the ages of 7 to 14 years. The tournament competition consisted of five rounds,” said Modiri.
Modiri said though it was the first time they held the tournament, it was also a platform to prepare learners for the sport.
He said they have not planned any tournaments soon, but hopefully, they could host one more tournament before year-end.
Mapokgole added: “We are delighted with the positive response by the youngsters as research proved that playing chess improves memory, creativity, and concentration and teaches planning and foresight.”
All learners who participated in the tournament received bronze, silver and gold medals. The three top schools also received trophies. They are Curro Academy Mamelodi, Meetse A Bophelo Primary School, and Sediba Sa Thuto Primary School.
Mapokgole further pleaded with local businessmen to come on board and assist with food for the learners who are attending chess lessons after school.
Mams Mall and Gift of Chess were among the main sponsors of the tournament who helped with food and tournament materials.
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