PRESS RELEASE
JACOB G ZUMA FOUNDATION – CHESS IN SCHOOLS CHAMPIONSHIP 2015
On
Saturday 27 June 2015, the Foundation will be hosting
its very first annual schools chess tournament, the
‘JACOB G ZUMA FOUNDATION - CHESS IN SCHOOLS CHAMPIONSHIP 2015’.
The tournament takes place at Umhlali Preparatory School in the area
of KwaDukuza (Stanger) from 09h00-16h30.
The
Jacob G Zuma Foundation, under the stewardship of its Patron - the
President of the Republic of South Africa, continues to make a
difference where it matters most - in the field of education and
training of our future leaders from the ranks of underprivileged
children. Encouraged by the JZ CHESS OPEN success which takes place
in December that dates back to 2009, the Foundation has formalized
the program called ‘CHESS
IN SCHOOLS’
launched in May 2014 and endorsed by the KZN Department of Education.
The program is piloted in 20 schools in the district of Ilembe.
Since
the program began we have trained more than 100 educators. The
Foundation has not only trained educators but it has also dedicated a
full-time chess coach who visits the schools and trains pupils as
well. The President, in his capacity as patron, has been involved in
promoting the game of chess encouraging government and private sector
to invest in chess as an intervention to education. “The benefits
of chess are well documented around the world, we are proud to be at
the forefront of introducing and popularizing chess not only as a
sport code but as the tool to unblock the potential of the young
intellectuals and shaping the future of South Africa” said Mr
Sandile Xulu who is the Foundation’s chess coach.
200
pupils from previously disadvantaged communities will have the
opportunity to represent their schools in the championship
tournament; each school will be represented by 10 players, 5 girls
and 5 boys, while more than 50 educators do battle for a gold medal of
the best chess educator. The event is expected to host about 300
players. High ranking officials from Provincial government, MEC of
Education and HOD as well as district officials are expected to
attend the event.
The
details of the event are as follows:
Date:
27 June 2015 Time:
09h00-16h30
Venue:
Umhlali Preparatory School - KwaDukuza
For more information contact Sandile Xulu (Chess Coordinator), cell 082 455 4730.
