GRAAFF-REINET NEWS - Thirty young Karoo chess players represented their district at the South African Junior Chess Championships in Johannesburg from 3 to 9 January.
This esteemed championship is the largest junior sporting event of any sporting code in South Africa.
"It was an honour for learners from our district to represent their regions and their schools at this prestigious event," said Hanli Rose-Innes, secretary of Chris Hani Chess.
According to Rose-Innes, the players did exceptionally well. "Most of them took part as unrated players against players with very high ratings and lots of match experience," she explained.
"Many of our players ended the tournament with fantastic ratings, and we are tremendously proud of them."
Players who ended the tournaments with ratings higher than 750 include Caswin Roy, Matthew Valavi, Bongani Finnis, Siphosethu Fortuin, James Rose-Innes, Tracy Petitt, Alzane Davids, Neelon Fourie, Jayden Booysen, Morne Kemp, Cassidy Goliad, Ruan van Zyl, Mark Blom, Juan Stannard, Wade Edwards, Wesley Claasen and JP le Roux.
The team thanked everyone who made their dream of taking three teams to a national competition a reality, including their main sponsor, Prescient Foundation.
"We want to encourage and invite member of the community to become involved in chess at our schools," Rose-Innes concluded.
"We need all the coaching and support we can get."
Readers who want to get involved can contact any of the above schools that offer chess as an extra-mural activity.
The Karoo district was well represented by these chess stars at the South African Junior Chess Championships.
The schools that were represented were:
Asherville Sekondêr
Siphosethu Fortuin, Rowan Swemma and Morné Kemp
Cradock Primêr
(Matthew Valavi, JP le Roux and Ruan Rieck)
Graaff-Reinet Primêr
Wesley Claassen, Tenasa Meyer and Marlin Stuurman
Hoër Volkskool
Jeffson Arends
Karel Theron Laerskool
Paul Shana
Kroonvale Primêr
Alzane Davids
Laer Volkskool
Mark Blom, Juan Stannard and JP Theron)
Marlow Landbouskool
André du Preez and Ruan van Zyl).
Middelburg Hoërskool
Caswin Roy
Ryneveld Park
Jayden Booysen
Spandau Sekondêr
Bongani Finnis, Kylin Plaatjies and Eon Yeyana;
Union High School
James Rose-Innes, Tracy Petitt, Mihan Campbell, Wade Edwards, Cassidy Goliad, Na'eem Mahomed, Neelon Fourie and Camran Swartz.
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