The City of Cape Town’s libraries competed in a chess tournament in the Parow Civic Centre yesterday, Thursday, 5 October 2023. More than 70 players from 19 libraries participated where Delft Library walked away the overall winner.
The tournament started in July at various libraries in a quest to find the final teams for yesterday’s competition, which consisted of 70 players from 19 libraries for the elimination round.
Yesterday’s winners were crowned the Library Chess Champions for 2023.
The Chess@Libraries 2023 tournament winners:
· 1st place: Lutho Mfazwe from Delft Library
· 2nd place: Keenan Adams from Heideveld Library
· 3rd place: Ayabonga Mchonisi from Crossroads Library
· Top female: Khanya Gcuze from Crossroads Library
‘Participants ranged in age between seven and 50 years old. Any person can become part of the library chess team, as long as they regularly play at their local library. They don’t have to be affiliated with a specific chess club or school to participate. The tournament had quite a few newcomers who were introduced to chess by their local library.
‘Chess is often referred to as sport for the brain as it exercises both sides of the brain, stimulates creativity and improves problem-solving skills. Chess is a fun way of learning how to follow the rules and can help build concentration skills and self-confidence. The City is excited about the game expanding in our libraries and this growing tournament,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Patricia van der Ross.
Chess is played daily at the winning Delft Library, where the sport took off after one tournament a few years ago.
‘The City supports chess as an academic and mentally stimulating sport, and we want to encourage children of all ages to learn more about it at their nearest library. We are excited about the opportunity to expand its reach and congratulate all the players who participated,’ added Councillor Van der Ross.
