Launching the sponsorship for the sixth year running, Metropolitan Life Botswana finance manager, Collen Motswaiso described her company’s six-year partnership with chess as cordial and growing. Metropolitan said its support remains strong 'as we near the dawn of 2016 and beyond'."There is need to nurture the relationship and (I) would like to remind players that you also have a role to play; as players your conduct, your professionalism and your hard work should be visible at all times; let the tournament begin and end without any issues that will tarnish the image of chess nor us as Metropolitan Life Botswana," she said.
Motswaiso said as sponsors they were excited to learn that this year’s event would be extended to Francistown. The Botswana Chess Federation (BCF) holds its second and final qualifiers at Thapama Lodge this weekend where 10 men and women will proceed to the finals to be held in Gaborone over the Easter holidays.She noted that chess in Botswana has grown by leaps and bounds and that today Botswana is counted among the super giants in Africa, referring to the three medals chess won at the All Africa Games in Maputo, Mozambique, last year.She said as an ambitious company with a clearly defined growth strategy, Metropolitan Life Botswana are proud to be associated with chess as a game of strategy." As Metropolitan we see chess as an emulation of what transpires in the business landscape; our involvement in chess goes a long way in expressing our objective of developing competitive and strategic thinking through sports,"Motswaiso further said.
