Speaking at the launch of the sponsorship, deputy Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NDB Tshekiso Monyatsi said their partnership with chess will contribute towards the national Vision 2016. "I have been informed that chess is a game of intelligence. It promotes hard work, discipline, truthfulness, self-esteem, friendship and moral and ethical values and therefore contributes towards having a loving and caring nation," said the CEO. He added that chess is educative and informative as it is a game of imagination and strategy.
"Chess players do not always want to do things the old way, they search for new and better ways of doing things. It is a useful educational tool. To be a progressive nation, we require individuals with improved emotional control, mood management and sustained efforts to achieve personal goals. That the tournament will be held over the long holidays will direct the focus of players on a good cause as opposed to social ills that are known to affect our people," he said.
