‘Let’s Checkmate Cancer’ event a resounding success
Chess
Namibia Chess Federation (NCF) recently hosted the annual Corporate Chess Team Challenge under the theme “Let’s Checkmate Cancer” at Windhoek Gymnasium Private School.The event brought together Namibia’s leading companies and institutions for a day of strategic competition, networking and charitable engagement, with all proceeds dedicated to the Namibia Cancer Association.
A total of nine teams, representing seven companies, participated in this year’s edition: RMB Namibia, NamPower, Sanlam and PwC Namibia, alongside debutants SMEC Namibia, Bank Windhoek and Green Enterprise Solutions.
The competition was conducted using a Swiss Team System over seven rounds, with each team comprising four field players and one reserve. The event featured live DGT boards, broadcasting games in real time on Lichess, allowing chess enthusiasts across Namibia and beyond to follow the action online.
Outstanding performances
Defending champions PwC Namibia returned with confidence and enthusiasm, but this year saw the rise of a new champion: RMB Namibia.
Competing as RMB Knightly Kings Team A, they delivered a commanding performance to clinch the title. The newly crowned champions demonstrated remarkable consistency, inspired by a strong individual showing from Mitchell Howley Davids, who played on board three and achieved a perfect seven wins from seven rounds.
NamPower also impressed with a disciplined and balanced approach, securing second place, thanks in large part to the reliability of Gabriel, who lost only one game throughout the tournament.
In third place, Green Enterprise Solutions made an immediate impact in their debut appearance, spearheaded by International Master (IM) Dante Beukes, who displayed dominant form, winning nearly all his games and conceding only one draw.
Acknowledgements
The NCF extended its deepest appreciation to Bank Windhoek, the official sponsor of this year’s event.
Their continued commitment to social development and corporate wellness was highlighted through their representative, Audrey Mostert, who attended the event and shared inspiring words about the bank’s partnership with the Namibia Cancer Association and its ongoing efforts to support health-related causes within the community.
The federation also expressed sincere thanks to all participating companies for their sportsmanship and support of this noble cause. Gratitude was also extended to Windhoek Gymnasium Private School for hosting the tournament in a world-class environment, as well as to the organising committee, arbiters and volunteers, whose teamwork ensured the smooth execution of the event.