24 Jun 2013

Botswana Chess Federation (BCF) hosted the Re Ba Bona Ha Chess Expo at Diphetogo Primary School over the weekend. 

The Re Ba Bona Ha chess centre was launched at Diphetogo Primary School in 2012 when chess joined the programme, sponsored by Debswana Diamond Company and the Botswana National Sports Council (BNSC).

BCF public relations director, Keenese Katisenge said the centre boosted of 35 children aged between five and 13 years who were assembled during the weekend to play chess.

Katisenge said the Chess Expo fell in line with the commitment to grass roots sports development by the new Botswana Chess Federation executive committee, which believed that the Re Ba Bona Ha programme will help the association identify talent at an early age and foster it to world class level. 

The Chess Expo, which would mark 30 days in office for the new Botswana Chess Federation executive committee, saw the country’s top player Woman International Master, Boikhutso Mudongo, playing a simultaneous display with over 20 kids from various primary schools in Gaborone.

Modongo is one of the most decorated chess players in Botswana and the region and has represented Botswana at the Chess Olympiad over the past 12 years.

The event was graced by representatives from the BNSC and Debswana Mining Company. Debswana has been the main sponsor of the Re Ba Bona Ha programme since 2008 and has since committed P3.7 million to the grassroots programme. ENDS