Chess gains popularity with young players in Gauteng
Summary and headline written by AI from the source article. How we work
Nearly 2,000 people gathered in Boksburg, South Africa, for the Gauteng Closed Chess Championships, showing a surge in junior chess participation in the Gauteng province.
The competition involved hundreds of players aged seven to 20, all vying for spots on the provincial team that will travel to Bloemfontein for the Mzansi Youth Inter-Provincial Championships in December.
Chess coach Melanide Griffiths of Ridgewood College noted the remarkable growth of the sport at her school, where participation has increased from a small group to a competitive team in just five years. Griffiths also explained that chess attracts children who may not thrive in traditional team sports, fostering independence, confidence, and critical thinking skills as they navigate matches on their own.
Ncedo Buthelezi, a chess coach and tournament arbiter, highlighted how the growing tournament circuit allows young players to advance their skills from local levels to national and international competitions. He shared that chess offered him an escape while growing up in a township and emphasized the game’s social aspect, requiring players to respect their opponents’ moves.
Ronaldo Ferrinha of Mofaya witnessed the expanding community first-hand through his son's involvement, noting the large number of families who dedicate their weekends to supporting young chess players. He observed that this growing participation presents opportunities for increased involvement and support for the sport.
