The Wanderers Chess Club members, on November 29, hosted and played blindfolded against their counterparts of the South African Braille Chess Association.

It was an accessibility exhibition event where sighted players competed blindfolded against the SA Braille chess players, promoting inclusion and raising funds for visually impaired players.

Read more: Chess tournament comes to 307 Gaming Zone

SA Braille secretary, Johannes Grib was thankful for the opportunity presented by the Wanderers Chess Club.

“The South African Braille Chess Association was founded in 1992, which was the first year we sent our team to the Braille Chess Olympiad. Since then, this year is the first time that funding has prevented us from sending a team to the Olympiad.”

Grib added that Olympiads were a big deal for the players and were usually a life-changing experience.

Also read: Wanderers Chess Club siblings shine at South African Junior Closed Chess Championships

He noted that Braille chess equipment was expensive, but the boards they used from India were affordable.

The head of Wanderers Chess, Jay van der Berg, said the club was open to hosting more tournaments with the South African Braille Chess Association.

“It was a great experience. We are also reminded that we take our eyesight for granted; chess makes you realise how important your sight is.”

SA Braille vice chair, Francios Metthling, added that such collaborations and tournaments were important to create awareness around Braille chess.

“This is about an experience and awareness because you might have family, friends or colleagues who may be blind or partially blind. This is an opportunity to show them that the possibility is there for a disabled person to do sport, especially chess.”

Interested Braille chess players can reach out to the South African Braille Chess Association website Sabca.co.za or their Facebook page for more information.

Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration!