National Bank of Malawi has pumped in K3.6 million to the Chess Association of Malawi (Chessam).

According to Chessam publicity secretary, Alfred Chimthere, the money will be used for Online Chess events lined-up for this year targeting students across the country.

“The youth tournaments will be championed by the National Schools Coordinator, Magret Ngugama, in conjunction with regional school coordinators in the North, Centre and South. Through this support we believe students will be able to get smartphones to aid online school learning and at the same time to play Chess,” he said.

National Bank's marketing and corporate affairs manager Akossa Hiwa says the bank has partnered with Chessam to push the Chess agenda in Malawi since the sport is a strategic game that helps players to think critically in making the right moves.

Chessam president, Susan Namangale represented the association during the official presentation ceremony in Blantyre on Monday.

Young people play the physical game before the pandemic

The Malawi National Sports Council during the last National Championship in December 2020, emphasised the need for private sector to support Associations like Chessam which have been active even during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Chessam resorted to online tournaments during the COVID-19 period to avoid further spread associated with using the traditional over-the-board style.

This also helped equip Chess players in the country who took part in the online World Chess Olympiad.

 

Source: https://www.kulinji.com/article/sports/2021/national-bank-makes-strategic-chess-move