Children from five Diepsloot primary schools demonstrated their chess skills at Muzomuhle Primary School in Diepsloot West, during the annual Tsogo Sun Moves for Life chess tournament recently.
“This valuable chess programme makes the learning of mathematics, science and life skills fun concepts. Montecasino has been supporting Tsogo Sun Moves for Life in Diepsloot for four years and we are impressed by the enthusiasm and hard work put in by the learners, participating teachers and the school principals,” said Mike Page, general manager of Montecasino.
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The top three schools in the tournament were Musenga Vhadzimu Primary School which took the first place, Reshomile Primary School that came second and Diepsloot Primary School and Muzomuhle Primary School that tied in the third place. The gold medal winners in the individual competition included four children from Musenga Vhadzimu Primary School. They are Prince Ngotshane, Puleedi Seema, Marumo Sekgobe and Tshiamo Segobela. Three children from Reshomile Primary School also made the list of gold medal winners. They are Brian Dube, Aaron Booi and Simphiwe Mswi. Mgomezulu from Diepsloot Primary School also won a gold medal.
Last year, two grade 5 girls from Diepsloot, who only joined the chess programme in 2015, made such excellent progress that they were selected for the Johannesburg Metro Chess team that participated in the SA Junior Chess Championships in Boksburg in December.
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Shanda Paine, Tsogo Sun group company social investment manager explained that the chess matches provide a platform for the children to play in rated tournaments that enable them to play and represent their regions. “The tournaments also give the learners an excellent opportunity to improve their competitive chess skills, to interact with chess players from other schools, to learn valuable lessons in good sportsmanship, concentration, patience, and mostly to have a fun day filled with new experiences and many treats. The Tsogo Sun Moves for Life programme intentionally links chess principles to life skills [and] mathematics,” said Paine.
In conclusion, Paine explained that the programme aims to improve the educational performance of as many children as possible by unlocking their full mental and social capabilities.
