PwC checkmates cancer at Corporate Chess Challenge
Chess
The event proceeds supported the Cancer Association of Namibia.
PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) Namibia dominated the Namibia Chess Federation’s (NCF) Corporate Chess Challenge, held on Saturday at Windhoek Gymnasium.The event, themed “Let’s Checkmate Cancer,” was organised by NCF in collaboration with the Cancer Association of Namibia and Bank Windhoek, featuring seven teams from various corporate entities.
Using the Swiss System format, the tournament aimed to raise awareness and funds for the Cancer Association. It was the first initiative of its kind by a sports code in the country, with all proceeds directed towards the fight against cancer.
Healthy competition
Beyond the competitive spirit, the event fostered team-building and community engagement, promoting healthy competition among the companies involved.
PwC’s winning team, which took home the overall trophy and gold medals, included Woman Candidate Master (WCM) Nicola Tjaronda, Tibor Trepper, Denzel Amakali, Paulus Helao and Casius Geiseb.
Reflecting on their victory, WCM Tjaronda acknowledged that her team had an advantage due to the presence of experienced players, including herself.
“I've been playing for many years,” she admitted. “My advice to myself, and others, is to keep playing and practising.
“If you stop playing, you get rusty, and I can attest to that. Platforms like Chess.com and Lichess offer great resources, like chess puzzles and online games to help you keep sharp,” she advised.
‘Be part of the winning team’
Her teammate Amakali added: “Another way to be part of the winning team, is to be part of PwC.
“Winning the competition is a huge morale boost as we head into the year-end. The victory feels like the start of many more successes to come,” he noted.
Amakali said despite preparations for the tournament being limited due to time constraints, they were able to bring the team together and coordinate their tables effectively, subsequently helping them secure the victory.
“One decisive moment was our match against the second-ranked team [NamPower], which we feel was key to securing our overall victory,” said Amakali.
Securing second place and silver medals was NamPower’s team, comprising Sidney Beukes, Filemon Eino, Andowa Modestus and Lodrigo Awaseb.
Settling for third place’s bronze medals was Rand Merchant Bank (RMB) Knightly Kings’ second team, comprising Mitchell Howley Davids, Geraldo van Wyk, Mandisa van Wyk, Lawrence Mbozi and Johan Botha.
Championing cause beyond competition
Event organiser and NCF president, Goodwill Khoa, expressed satisfaction with how the event unfolded and acknowledged the Cancer Association’s ongoing efforts in the fight against cancer.
He emphasised that, as a sports organisation, they wanted to contribute to a cause beyond their usual focus on athletics and competition.
“The event was important to show that sports can play a role in various areas of society and that we’re not just on the receiving end.
“This was a charity event, where we stood together with the Cancer Association to emphasise the importance of raising awareness, especially following Cancer Awareness Month. We felt it was our responsibility as a sports federation to contribute, and we’re glad to see corporate support behind this cause as well.”
Other teams who took part were RMB-Knightly Kings’ first team, Sanlam Namibia, Mobile Telecommunications Limited (MTC) Namibia and 3D Printing.
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