Katisenge sets up a chess academy
Calistus Kolantsho | Thursday October 19, 2017 14:32
The academy is the sixth to be set up in the country. Other chess academies are Mobile, En Passent, Chess Kids, Grivas and Fountain of Gems.
Limitless Minds affiliated with BCF last month and its founder said the academy would like to contribute positively to the society by using chess as a tool for empowerment and social inclusion.
“The aim is to help in making a positive impact in the society and in producing exceptional individuals beyond the chess board. The academy shall complement the efforts of the Botswana Chess Federation in developing and advancing the game of chess in communities of special needs,” Katisenge said.
She said the academy's first project is the Chess for the Blind initiative. She said preparations for rolling out the project are at an advanced stage.
Katisenge said the initiative is in line with international sport policies for sport for all. She said chess is a game of strategy, it empowers the mind and Limitless Minds would like to take advantage of that and demonstrate the beauty of the game.
“Further, the academy would help add value through empowerment workshops, seminars, chess training camps and international chess tournament of high standards. The main objectives of these activities are to enhance the relevance of the game in the society and would help alleviate some social ills such as alcohol and drug abuse amongst the youth, reduce statistics of school drop outs, unwanted pregnancies and other negative consequences within our society,” Katisenge said.
Katisenge said in 2015, she represented Botswana at the United Nations Youth Leadership Summit on Sport for Development and Social Impact, which was held in Florida, USA, where she learnt and appreciated the importance of community sports academies.
She said the summit inspired and motivated her to spearhead such an initiative in her own country. Meanwhile, BCF president, Motlholomedi Thabano said the arrival of Limitless Minds is an indication of growth.
He said they are tackling chess in a social responsibility perspective, which is inline with the ideals of the sport. Thabano said he has been informed that the academy is in the process of rolling out chess to rural areas. He said as a Federation, they are excited about the ‘new baby’ because the founder of Limitless Minds is passionate about development.