VEREENIGING.- The Emfuleni Vaal Chess Association (EVCA) held the first edition of the Emfuleni Local Municipality (ELM) Libraries Chess Club Tournament.

This initiative took place at Vereeniging Library.

This programme was launched last year by EVCA in conjunction with ELM Libraries Management to promote chess at school level and encourage learners to use libraries for study purposes. The theme of the day was “deepening the culture of justice and human rights” with all participants also fostering social cohesion amongst different beliefs and cultures whilst exploring how to play the intellectual mind game.

EVCA chairperson Johannes Lepota told Sedibeng Ster Sport that the event was free, open to everyone in the ELM, and had three sections: Section A (Open Section), Section B (U17), and Section C (U14). He said everyone who participated in the event was a winner because they gained experience and also received a certificate of participation.

However, he said those who performed well received trophies and medals in each category.

“To everyone out there, chess is booming globally right now and seen as one of the most popular games played by more than half a billion players worldwide, be it on a physical chess board or virtually. Chess is a turn-based strategy game with no hidden information, and it’s very stimulating to one’s brain. We want to thank the schools and individuals who attended this tournament. It was a great tournament, and everyone was a winner at the end of the day. Chess is a very interesting sport,” concluded Lepota.