Sporting fun on International Day of Chess
Chess is fun – it’s a cool sport that every child can enjoy. That was the positive message that the Moves for Life chess programme set out to instil in primary school children in celebration of the International Day of Chess on 20 July in a series of special activities and lessons.
The Moves for Life programme, which is sponsored by Silverstar Casino (https://www.tsogosun.com/silverstar-casino) in seven primary schools in disadvantaged areas within the Mogale City municipality – Mashudu (Rietvallei), Avante, Mohlakano, Hartzstraat, and FJL Wells (all four in Randfontein), and Nooitgedacht 88 and Paardekraal (both in Krugersdorp) – impacts 4,111 in 106 foundation phase classes in these schools, and overall 17,732 learners in 463 classes sponsored by six Tsogo Sun properties around the country.
The International Day of Chess activities take place during math lessons in school hours from 20 to 28 July, and included chess charades ‘Guess which chess piece I am?’ for Grade 1s; ‘This chess piece is me’ for Grade 2s, using recycled material to design themselves as a chess piece and explaining why they chose that piece; and a Tic Tac Chess Tournament for Grade 3s, developing critical thinking, reasoning, strategic and tactical play, math confidence, spatial awareness, and more, as well as practicing chess moves.
Marietjie Jansen van Vuuren, Moves for Life Product Manager, says, “These special lessons amalgamate creativity and chess into fun activities that are enjoyed by both chess players and non-chess players, making the game a lot more accessible to all children.” She adds that they were also enjoyed by the educators, boosting their confidence and skills levels in teaching chess, and overall improving the quality of the impact of the chess lessons.
Anneke Potgieter, Director of Operations and GM of Silverstar, says, “The International Day of Chess week of activities add great value to the overall chess programme being implemented in these schools, encouraging learning through fun and entertainment, which is always an effective way of learning. We have been pleased to see positive responses from the learners and educators in the chess programme, and congratulate the team, the schools, and the learners on their enthusiastic and whole-hearted participation in the International Day of Chess activities.”
