Inquisitive minds and eager spirits gathered in an English classroom on August 27 for the first Scrabble training session conducted by Scrabble South Africa president Ike Obidike.

Obidike explained that Scrabble South Africa has long dreamed of starting a high school competition. Following the death of his deputy president, Steven Gruzd, friends and Gauteng Scrabble united to pool funds and launch the initiative.

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Obidike added that King Edward VII School (KES) and Parktown Boys’ High School are among six schools participating in the competition and training of learners. The competition will take place on October 31, when schools in the U15 and U19 categories will compete for prizes.

Building language and strategy

KES English teacher Paul Marketos, who oversees the school’s Scrabble club, praised the initiative as a wonderful programme.

Marketos noted that words form the basis of all communication, adding that learners build both a decent vocabulary and a tactical mind through the board game.

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Obidike explained that the project aims to improve decision-making skills alongside language ability.

Supported by Gauteng Scrabble players, the competition will run for the next five years, with hopes that South African youth will go on to compete in African and world championships.

Chuka Obidike, a Scrabble and chess player who was introduced to the game by his father, expressed enthusiasm about being part of the school’s inaugural competition.

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