LSEN school bags medal at Arnold Classic chess championships

Roodepark School participated in the chess championships at the Arnold Classic Africa sports festival on May 19.

“Schools for learners with special needs [LSEN] also participated this year with 76 players registered and 30 of the players were from Roodepark School. The preparation of our players is an ongoing process. Players practise daily with their coaches. During the second term we play weekly league matches,” stated Nicole Rule from Roodepark School.

Roodepark School won the prize for the best school, Lynton Catin walked away with the gold medal while Lehlohonolo Magobe won the bronze medal.

Nicole explains in chess it is necessary for players to ‘plan, evaluate and anticipate their opponent’s next move or moves’, and learning these skills boosts the learners’ self-confidence and self-worth.

“Our school’s programme offers opportunities for our learners to get exposure to and participate in a meaningful activity which is most beneficial to their holistic development. The Arnold Classic is only one of the championships that learners from LSEN schools have been included in. Previously it was assumed that learners with special learning needs were not capable or able to play chess. It is indeed a privilege to be involved in the shaping of these young learners.”