02 Mar 2015

Botswana’s future chess stars on February 28 convened at Airport Junction Mall in Gaborone to showcase their chess prowess in a fair labeled the Debswana Re Ba Bona Ha Chess Exposition.

The second edition of the exposition organised by Botswana Chess Federation (BCF) attracted 80 children aged 5-15, something which showed growth compared to the 30 participants in 2013. The event targeted players from Gaborone Debswana Re Ba Bona Ha Centre at Diphetogo Primary School and surrounding villages.

The expo offered a great opportunity for the youngsters to mingle with one of Botswana’s highly acclaimed chess player Fide Master Thato Olebile who offered guidance and inspiration to the children.

In an interview, BCF treasurer, Gofaone Baleseng, said the objective of the expo was to groom players from grass roots level and also inspire them by giving them exposure to play in the public.

He said they were impressed with the turn up which indicates a tremendous growth from last year. Baleseng said BCF would like to expand the initiative to other areas around the country so that other children who do not live in Gaborone get equal opportunity to hone their chess skills.

He stated that expos of this nature gives children an opportunity to play together and it is also a platform for BCF to monitor players who are eventually selected to represent Botswana at international youth competitions.

He commended the parents for accompanying their children to the exposition and also supporting them throughout the year. Future chess star Bonang Kolaatamo said playing chess has helped broaden her thinking capacity which has also made her attain the highest price in Maths in her school.

Young Bonang stated that she participated in the first edition of the expo in 2013 and she would not have missed this one for anything. She thanked her family who are also chess enthusiasts for encouraging and grooming her to be able to play chess confidently even against seasoned players in the championships.

Another star Ame Boefelo from Gasiko Primary School in Gabane stated that he was thrilled to be part of the whole experience adding that this is his second year as a chess player.

He thanked his coach whom he said encourages him to do better every time. He said playing chess has helped him improve in Maths as it helps him thinks deeply and solve situations promptly. ENDS