By RONALD CHAWE –
UNIVERSITY of Zambia (UNZA) Chess Club coach Ginnethon Shandele through his initiative ‘K50 Chess Challenge’ has managed to raise K3,000 to aid two women national team players to enter for the 2017
Zone 4.3 individual championships to be held in Livingstone.
The Zone 4.3 entry fee is K1,800 per person plus accommodation fees which is at $50 has been a challenge to many Zambian players.
The chess lover, who is also studying MSc-Medical Biochemistry at UNZA Ridgeway Campus, said in an interview yesterday that what touched him most was the fact that people who sent money to
his account have never met him in person.
Shandele added a K2,000 after the initiative which started a bit late raised only K1,000. This was after the Chess Federation of Zambia (CFZ) announced that it would only support two players out 14 entries.
He said the money would help in cushioning the financial burden to two players.
“What manner of trust could this be? I am proud to announce that your pledges have hit a total of K1,000 at the shortest of all notices. As for me, I have added K2,000 to the pledges which makes it K3,000 in total. This money will enable two players Lorita Mwango and Linda Hamoonga,” he said.
He said although the challenge has failed to meet the target of four players it would add a significant impact on two players.
He hailed the people who made a difference with their contributions and doubted if the two players would ever forget them.
He said the response to the K50 Chess Challenge has really taught him a lot about life and living.
“It was just a dream but today, my dream has come true through you. What touched me the most is the fact that most of the people who sent money to my account are actually people I have never met in person? I do not have the right words to express my gratitude but am really humbled to have such a family,” he said.
The winner of the 2017 Zone 4.3 individual chess will qualify to the World Cup in Batumi, Georgia in September.