Over 150 talented young minds from the SOM Chess Academy embarked on a life-changing journey yesterday, January 22nd, at the Sports Outreach Ministry Resource Center in Kiwawu, Mityana district.
They are competing in the first edition of the TECH for the World Chess Championship, with the coveted prize being scholarships for both primary and secondary education.
Robert Katende, the academy’s founder and CEO says this program will be running every year with the main focus of seeing players get a chance to go to school.
”The number of participants of this first edition would have been higher but due to lack of transport, many players from our centers were left out,” Katende told Nnalubaale Sports.
This championship is for only SOM Chess Academy players but an open event for all will be organized in April of this year where other players will also stand a chance to get scholarships.
Among the players who are in the race for the scholarship, is the Masaka-based Namalume Gift who is aiming at being among the four winners.
Despite losing her first game, Namulume says this championship will give the would-be poor girls and boys an opportunity to go to school.
The academy that started with a single chess board, has continued to change the lives of those in need especially children through Chess.
Phiona Mutesi, Uganda’s Queen of Katwe is among the many Ugandans that SOM Academy has helped to have a more beneficial life.
The other Chess icon who went through the same hands is Richard Tugume who is now FIDE certified, primarily teaching out of the Academy’s Katwe Chess Center.
Some of Day One Results for Girls Round 3
Kawuma Patricia 1-0 Nabaggala Vanessa
Namubiru Joan 0-1 Kyalisiima Fazirah Zaharah
Nakibuule Iren 0-1 Nabirye Caroline
Aciro Sheila 1-0 Namatovu Mercy
Namusoke Tendo Samantha 1-0Namugula Juliet
Nakayiza Brenda 1-0 Nangonzi Rashimah
Some of Day One Results for Boys Round 3
Kasozi Jovan 1-0 Ssndijja Gerald
Kiyaga Imran 0-1 Ntume Ivan
Kitumba Elvis 1-0 Wabwire Joseph
Kato Elisha 0-1 Matovu Abdul
Kasozi Taufiq 1-0 Kamoga Allan
Masaazi Noarah 0-1 Okello Allan
Photo Credit: Gonzaga Kakeeto
