Malawi receives chess equipment

Malawi is among various countries that have received three tonnes worth of chess equipment from former world chess champion Garry Kasparov from Russia.

Northern Region Chess committee chairperson Isaac Malunga said the donation includes chess books, sets, board, pieces and bill boards intended to be distributed to schools across the country.

Malunga said the equipment, which was donated through Kasparov Chess Foundation, will assist learners to access chess materials and have ample time to play the game during their free time.

“The donation is part of commitment Kasparov signed with Chess Association of Malawi to spearhead the sport in schools,” he said.

Malunga advised schools which are to benefit from the donation to properly use the equipment and take the game seriously so as to advance their thinking capabilities.

“Chess is not only played for pleasure, but it helps one to think critically. I, therefore, urge the schools that will benefit from the donation to take care of the equipment,” said Malunga.

According to http://www.chesscorner.com/worldchamps/kasparov/kasparov.htm

Garry Kimovich Kasparov was born in Gary Weinstein in Baku, Azerbaijan in 1963. In 1975, at the age of 12, he became the youngest ever player to win the Junior Championship in the then Union of Soviet Socialist Republic.

At 16, he won the World Junior Championship and achieved the title of Grandmaster on his 17th birthday. In 1984, he challenged the current reigning World Champion, Anatoly Karpov for the title.