By Joseph mchekadona
More than 70 Junior Chess players are expected to compete at this year's edition of IKES,T tournament which gets underway tomorrow (Satursay) at AgaKhan primary school in Dar es salaam.
One of the tournament organizers Prisha Chheda said the Interschools chess tournament is organized by Mzizima Knights chess club.
Chheda who is the ex president of the Mzizima Knights chess club said the aim of the tournament is to connect young chess players from different schools and also help support a strong chess community.
She said the tournament Which will involve Under 8,10,14 ,16 and 18 categories is funded through proceeds which were generated from last edition tournament.
Chheda said top 3 winners in each category will be awarded with medals,top three females in each category will also be awarded and trophies will be given to top three schools .
"We want to have a community where juniors can improve skills ,find peers ,they will play and practice and gain more competitive experience without the pressure and fear of an open chess tournament '
"We also want to promote sportsmanship,thinking and collaboration to young minds while showcasing the schools culture and commitment to extracurricular growth,"she said .
She named the schools which will compete as IST,DIA ,Hopac, AgaKhan,French school,Braeburn ,Rising star chess academy,Academic achievement international school ,Al Muntariz ,Indian school and Feza Boys .
She further said the tournament reflects a growing interest in chess amongst students in the country.
The organizer said prior to the Saturday tournament,the organizers have been delegating responsibilities to the juniors .
"We emphasize inclusivity gender representation and skill development while encouraging students to engage in heathy competition and growth beyond classrooms ,the tournament is students led as the school is committed to developing students leadership,"she said .
Current president of Mzizima Knights chess club is Hemattreya Jamdar other members of the organizing committee are Joyce Muthoni,Wilson Njoroge ,Jamilu Bagama ,Arianna Ladha ,Kush Babla ,Hadiya Sajan ,Shaurya Kumar ,Prisha Shetty ,Aman Sadiqali,Maryam Ipillinga ,Ayman Sangey ,Angel Mary and Habiba Nyenzi .
