The Namibia Chess Federation (NCF) received a major boost yesterday when Bank Windhoek announced a sponsorship of N$500 000 for the next year.
Jacquiline Pack of Bank Windhoek said the sponsorship aims to provide resources for chess programmes, tournaments and educational initiatives across Namibia.
“Chess is more than just a game, it is a powerful tool for enhancing thinking and analytical skills, crucial in fostering intellectual growth.
“In a world increasingly driven by technology, the ability to analyse situations, think strategically, and make informed decisions is paramount,” she said.
“Chess, with its intricate moves and strategic complexities, serves as a catalyst in honing these skills, providing a unique platform for individuals to develop their cognitive abilities,” Pack added, saying chess improves one’s numerical capabilities.
“The correlation between chess and numerical capabilities cannot be overstated. The game inherently involves mathematical thinking, calculation, and strategic planning, offering a dynamic environment for individuals to enhance their numerical prowess,” she said.
Pack said Bank Windhoek has a long association with chess, starting in 2007, with the Bank Windhoek National Junior Chess Championships across 100 schools.
“By investing in chess, we are not just supporting a game, we are investing in the intellectual capital of our nation. To this end Bank Windhoek has equally partnered with the Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture and has embarked upon a programme that seeks to capacitate teachers and pupils with mathematical skills,” she said.
“Through these efforts, we aspire to empower our youth with the tools needed to navigate the challenges of the future confidently. Let us join hands in promoting chess as a vehicle for the intellectual enrichment of our community, fostering a culture that values critical thinking, strategic planning, and numerical proficiency.”
Pack thanked the NCF for the partnership.
The president of the NCF, Goodwill Khoa, said it was the biggest sponsorship in the history of Namibian chess.
“This sponsorship means a lot for chess in Namibia. This is the biggest domestic sponsorship we have ever received for chess in Namibia, and it comes at a time when we need it the most, to not only enable us to host our national events, but also to develop chess in all the regions of Namibia,” he said, adding the federation can now confidently start chess activities in all 10 chess zones of Namibia, namely: Keetmanshoop, Karasburg and surrounds, Mariental and Stampriet, Rehoboth, Windhoek, Okahandja and Gobabis, the Erongo region, Otjiwarongo, Tsumeb, Otavi and Grootfontein, the Kunene region, Oshakati, Ondangwa and Ongwediva, Kavango East, the Zambezi region, and Luderitz, Oranjemund and surrounds.
“In terms of our strategic plan, this sponsorship will enable us to complete phase one out of four phases, where chess is now officially played in all regions at a competitive level, while touching on parts of phase two,” he said.
Phase two consists of implementing chess at schools, in prisons, for people with disabilities, Tertiary Institutions Sport Associations of Namibia chess, an NCF training commission and arbiters commission, as well as a women in chess commission.
Phase three includes chess in the diaspora, guaranteed international chess participation, and hosting international chess events.
Phase four aims to reach the goal of a number-one sport code in Namibia, playing chess as a profession.
“With this sponsorship the NCF is now under contractual obligation to ensure we meet the expectations agreed upon. However, the success of chess is a collective effort and not an individual one.
“I wish to call upon all chess players, old and new, to hold hands with the NCF and take charge of the chess development initiative.
“This sponsorship does not belong to the NCF exco, but to all chess players – please bear this in mind when we knock on your doors for assistance at various towns and cities,” Khoa said.
