20 Nov 2014

Botswana Chess Federation (BCF) has been encouraged to invest the bulk of proceeds from the annual National Development Bank (NDB) Chess Clubs Championships on grassroots development.

The chairperson of Botswana National Sports Council (BNSC), Solly Reikeletseng said this on November 19 during the launch of the P60 000 sponsorship for the championships billed for the weekend. 

Reikeletseng said although he subscribed to the idea of sport moving away from volunteerism to professionalism that however should not compromise sport development. He said NDB stood for development hence the need for the chess federation to align the tournament with the notion of development.

However Reikeletseng said BCF has proved itself as a trustworthy partner with NDB over the years and further encouraged the partners to consider signing a long term agreement.

“It makes sense for them (NDB) to sign a five year contract with the Chess Federation, rather than for the federation to knock on their doors for sponsorship on yearly basis, “he added.

For his part, Head of branding, marketing and communications at NDB, Harry Marks said the bank considers itself lucky and privileged to have forged a long term partnership with the chess family. “We want to congratulate BCF for taking this sponsorship very serious in line with the mandate of the bank,” he added.

Marks said NDB is all about development hence it pleases them that the Chess has utilised the sponsorship to produce incredible results as sport has grown and produced acclaimed stars.

He said if Chess could be planted at an early age in the school curriculum that could go a long way in developing the cognition makeup of the children. “This will shape our children’s character and make them to aspire for more in life,” Marks added.

For his part, BCF president Tshenolo Maruatona said their partnership with the bank has produced reputable chess players. “There is no reputable Chess player who has not played the Championships,” he added.

He said although Chess is more of an individual sport, the NDB Chess Championships is unique as proceeds goes towards clubs rather than individuals. “Clubs are the breeding hub for talent, for as long as we do not have organised clubs we cannot go far as a federation,” he added.

He said the tournament is good for the Chess development as the future of the Chess in the country lies with discovering young talent.

The two day Chess tournament will take place at Oasis Motel in Tlokweng on Saturday (November 22) and Sunday (November 23) and defending champions, Poisonous Snakes have vowed to defend their title. ENDS