Eight learners from Laerskool Jan Celliers have qualified to compete in the SA Junior Closed Chess Championships in March.
According to head of marketing at Jan Celliers Bernice du Toit, the Junior Closed Championship is considered to be equivalent to the South African championships for chess. Learners who qualify for the event will receive provincial colours by qualifying for the event.
Du Toit said, “Chess has been synonymous with our school for years. In 2000, Corno Klaver started as a coach and his passion and enthusiasm has ignited a hype around the sport at our school. He has made chess cool and it’s no longer taboo to play.”
She said that the sport is not only a wonderful co-curricular activity but has a knock-on effect, helping to improve learner concentration and lateral thinking skills linked to maths and science.
Every child at the school is exposed to chess from Grade R to Grade 7, with the option to take it as an extra-mural activity.
Du Toit said that Jan Celliers was unbeaten since 2017 with Supper Club matches.
Top learners who have qualified for the Junior Closed Championship in Benoni include U8 Thomas Bennie, U8 Antonie Retief, U8 Löre Hoek, U8 Emmy Mulholland, U10 Johannes Bennie, U12 Vian Ziegenhagen, U12 Edward Jones and U14 William Jones.
Chess coach Corno Klaver described the event as a prestigious tournament where competitors will play for SA colours.
He said that 30 boys and 30 girls have been selected in each age category from across the country. The top three players in each age group will go to world championships, while the top five will qualify for Africa Youth Championships and the top 10 will compete within the Commonwealth.
Johannes said, “I am going into the tournament aiming to win and be selected to play internationally,” adding that consistent practice and learning from mistakes is what makes a good player.
Vian said that he has been playing chess for six years and enjoys playing an attacking game.
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