Schools invited to national team chess championships

THE Namibia Chess Federation (NCF) will host the school team championships, its last junior tournament of the year, on 18 September. The competition has grown from strength to strength since the first event in 2005. This event at Dawid Bezuidenhout High School hall in Khomasdal from 08:30 till 18:00 is important for junior players to prepare them for what they can expect should they compete one day in the Chess Olympiads.

The team event features four players per team. This year the NCF also decided to split the high schools from the primary schools. However should any primary school team feel confident enough to compete for the ultimate crown they may enter the high school section.

The NCF invites every school and chess academy across Namibia to send teams to take part in the 6th Namibia national school team championships. Every school is entitled to send three teams. NCF Membership: Every team will have 4 players.

The school or Academy has to pay their annual membership fee of N$200 with the NCF to enable participation of their teams. Participants have to be under-20. Registration fees is N$40 per player for primary schools (grades 1-7) and N$60 per player for high schools (grades 8-12).

The 2009 winners were: 1st – Zandell Chess Academy A. 2nd – The Weekend Chess Academy A. 3rd – Kollin Foundation Secondary School A. Prize money of N$6 600 will be split between the two sections and in both sections teams will be awarded with gold, silver and bronze medals, but only the high schools section winner will be crowned as the champions.

Participants will be responsible for their own refreshments and transport to and from the venue. Schools are requested to contact Josef Nitzborn (Cell 081 469 1522) for registration forms and more information.

Registration forms should be completed and faxed to the NCF at 061 236 181 on or before 15 September 2010. Among the early bird entries so far were Rundu Secondary School, Orban Primary School and Lüderitz Secondary School. Will your school be a winner for 2010? It’s your move!