FIDE boss impressed by chess growth

Calistus Kolantsho | Wednesday February 26, 2014 14:40

 

Borg was speaking to Mmegi Sport during his visit to the country this week. He explained that it was his first visit to the country but he always held discussions with officials from Botswana, especially Dabilani Buthali, who is a FIDE board member.

He explained that his visit coincided with travelling to other countries such as South Africa, Namibia and Malawi. Borg said during his stay he held some meetings with the Botswana Chess Federation (BCF) officials and one of the issues discussed was the introduction of chess in primary schools.

He attended the secondary schools chess tournament at Morongwa Community Junior Secondary School that was held in Lobatse over the weekend where about 300 students attended the event. Borg said the number was a positive response.

“We expect primary schools pupils to show interest in the game upon its introduction. Chess is important in the growth of a child because it can give them direction in life,” he said.

He said that FIDE intended to spend more funds in the development of chess at grassroots level. He suggested that chess should be included in the school curriculum.

Meanwhile, Borg said FIDE was going to help BCF to cover some expenses for the Olympiad trip to Norway.

He stated that Botswana had participated in many Olympiad tournaments before and it was very important for them to attend the competition this year.

Borg observed that playing chess in Africa remained behind because of the distances that players had to travel and that was taxing. He said despite Botswana’s small population it remained one of the leading African countries in chess.

BCF president Tshenolo Maruatona said they had been getting a lot of attention from the FIDE leadership due to the hard work they were putting to the sport.

He said that BCF was one of the recognised federations in Africa and that was encouraging.  Borg said funding from FIDE was not particular to Botswana but other African countries as well and it was way to increase participation from developing countries.