DURBAN is to host the South African Junior Chess Championships for the first time in 11 years of the tournament’s history.
Speaking at the media launch held last week at the ICC, convenor, Logan Reddy, highlighted many milestone achievements for Durban.
“This is the largest indoor sport event that has ever been held in Durban. All 2 100 players will be playing at the same time. With support from the eThekwini Municipality and the Department of Sports and Recreation, the SAJCC 2013 will significantly contribute to economic growth and develops children by fostering non-racialism and non-sexism,” Reddy said.
Representing the municipality, speaker of the council, Logie Naidoo, wished all players well and thanked them for their participation. Naidoo also praised the logo which he said, “captures the spirit of Durban. The king piece in the logo looks very much like the uMhlanga lighthouse.”
The event is expected to provide an economic boost of between R35 and R45-million for the city of Durban.
Speaking at the event, head of Durban Tourism, Phillip Sithole, said: “We cannot sustain tourism if there is no multiculturalism.”
He commended the SAJCC Local Organising Committee for presenting an event which shows dedicated investment in young people and also noted the role of event organisers in bringing events of this calibre to Durban.
