Open letter to Namibia School Sport Union on chess activities
Dear Namibia School Sport Union (NSSU),
The leadership of the Kavango East, Kavango West and Zambezi chess associations, under the auspices of the Namibia Chess Federation, writes to seek clarification on the status of school chess activities in our regions.
It is with great concern that we bring to your attention the current state of chess within these regions. Chess appears on the official NSSU calendar, and structures are in place, including designated regional chess conveners.
However, despite these structures, our regions have not hosted any official NSSU-recognised chess tournaments for a considerable period.
In many cases, regional NSSU chess conveners have also been unable to assist with transport for players travelling to national tournaments, citing a lack of available NSSU funding.
This situation has created significant challenges for schools, learners and all those committed to the development of chess as a school sport.
In the absence of sufficient regional support, independent efforts have been made to organise tournaments so that learners can still have opportunities to participate and compete.
Unfortunately, due to limited financial support, learners have in some instances had to pay registration fees to make such tournaments possible.
While these efforts have been made in the spirit of supporting learners, the lack of clear leadership and activity from regional structures has created confusion and, at times, strained relations between the chess community and schools.
We therefore respectfully request clarification from the NSSU on the following:
1 Why have these regions not been able to host even a single official chess tournament supported by the NSSU, despite chess being included on the NSSU calendar?
2 What role is the regional chess convener currently playing in coordinating and developing chess activities in the region?
3 What plans does the NSSU have to support the organisation and development of school chess tournaments going forward?
4 How can independent organisers and the chess community work together with the NSSU to ensure that learners receive the opportunities they deserve?
5 Is the NSSU aware that the issue of registration fees and the securing of facilities has caused frustration among schools, demotivated learners and limited opportunities for school-going players to pursue the sport meaningfully?
Chess is an educational sport that develops critical thinking, discipline and problem-solving skills among learners. It would be unfortunate for learners in our regions to miss out on these opportunities because of administrative inactivity.
We hope this letter will encourage constructive dialogue and a renewed commitment to the development of chess in our schools.
Yours sincerely,
Petrus Kawende
Kavango East and West Chess Association chairperson Petrus Kawende - Zambezi Chess Association chairperson Reyeen Muhamubi
