Chess championship launches
Bank Windhoek’s Jacquiline Pack announced a N$500 000 sponsorship for the Namibian Chess Federation (NFC) to run its chess developmental operations country-wide from 2023 to 2024.The sponsorship aims to provide resources for chess programmes, tournaments and educational initiatives across Namibia. Pack said that by investing in chess, the bank supports the sport and invests in Namibia’s intellectual capital.
Speaking at the launch, Pack said that Bank Windhoek is not new to the chess fraternity, having been a partner in empowering the sports code since 2007, and has seen the establishment and roll-out of the Bank Windhoek National Junior Chess Championships across 100 schools.
“Chess is more than just a game; it is a powerful tool for enhancing thinking and analytic skills, crucial in fostering intellectual growth. In a world increasingly driven by technology, the ability to analyse situations, think strategically and make informed decisions is paramount,” she said.
Pack also mentioned that Bank Windhoek has partnered with the Ministry of Education and embarked on a programme that seeks to capacitate teachers and learners with mathematical skills. “These initiatives are aimed at solidifying Bank Windhoek’s shared value as a financial institution in advancing numerical capabilities in our country,” she said.
NCF president Goodwill Khoa thanked Bank Windhoek for the support saying that this will help the federation to take the sport to the country. “This sponsorship is the largest domestic chess championship the Namibia Chess Federation has ever received. It comes at a time when we need it the most to enable us to host our national events and develop chess in all fourteen regions on a competitive level.”
Khoa said that the success of chess is a collective effort and encouraged the sports community to take up the opportunity to grow the sports code since it is accessible to play and very inclusive.