National Sports

Ilala Crest Lodge pledges continued chess sponsorship

Ilala Crest Lodge in Mzuzu has pledged continued sponsorship of the Ilala Chess Tournament.

The company, which has been sponsoring the tournament for the past seven years, made the commitment during the prize presentation of a three-day open chess tournament in Mzuzu organised by  the Northern Region Chess League (NRCL).

Mwanza (R) receives his prize from Ilala Crest Lodge official Aaron Ngwira

The hospitality firm funded the event to the tune of K500 000.

Ilala Crest Lodge managing director Arnold Shawa said the sport promotes creative and analytical thinking.

“Apart from that, we have chosen to promote the sport among the youth to keep them away from nefarious activities such as promiscuity.

“Last year, the committee was not that active, but this time we have noted that they are vigorous and, therefore, we will continue to support chess.

“Whenever you need funding, please provide us with the budget in advance,” he said.

The tournaments attracted participants from  as far as Lilongwe and Mwalama Mwanza emerged the champion in the men’s category while Annie Simwawa and Praise Kalambo won the titles in ladies and juniors’ categories, respectively.

Mwanza, who collected 7.5 points, received K40 000 while Simwawa, who had eight points, got K30 000.

 Kalambo, who registered six points, also got K30 000.

Simwawa said he will continue to train hard to sustain the good performance.

On her part, Mwanza said: “It was a good tournament, my opponents were equally good. However, I put up a better performance,” she said.

NRCL chairperson Fiskani Mwagomba hailed the players for showing interest in the tournament.

In her remarks, Chess Association of Malawi (Chessam) president Susan Namangale commended NRCL for its efforts to develop the sport.

NRCL for exhibiting interest in promoting the sport. n

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