Government vows more support for Africa Youth Chess Championship in Entebbe

The Assistant General Secretary Technical at the National Council of Sports, Milton Chebet, has urged the Uganda Chess Federation to engage the government to ensure that the mind sport is spread across the country.

Chebet, who represented the Minister of State for Sport, Peter Ogwang, was speaking to the participants at the opening ceremony of the Africa Youth Chess Championship at the Imperial Botanical Beach Hotel on Thursday.

He promised additional funding for the sport and urged the Uganda Chess Federation to engage with the government to ensure further promotion. He also appreciated the parents, coaches, and teachers who fund and guide the children to ensure their progress, as well as the various sponsors who continue to support them.

“We thank the organisers whose efforts continue to support the development of chess across the continent. Your commitment is shaping the next generation of African thinkers and champions. We all know that chess goes beyond just moving the pawn and hunting for the queen and the king of the opponent, but it instils discipline, patience, you know, that courage.”

He said Uganda was proud to host the prestigious continental championship, which has brought together young, talented chess players from across Africa. 

“Your presence is a strong testimony to the unity and friendship shared among all of us in this sport.  I wish to commend the Ugandan Chess Federation for successfully securing this championship event. Uganda is a hospitable country, peaceful, with beautiful cultures, sceneries, and I entrust you to go beyond the competition and explore the country. 

The Chief Arbiter van den Bergh Gunther (right), flanked by UCF president Andrew Bakiza, addressing participants during the opening ceremony of the Africa Youth Championship. Photo by Michael Nsubuga

He urged the participants to see the tournament beyond the competition, medals, and trophies, and to forge friendships, learn about Uganda, and network, as they represent the hopes and aspirations of their countries. 

“As the government, we recognise the importance of sport in transforming lives and empowering youth. And therefore, the government is committed to promoting sports across, and this has been demonstrated by the increased funding, which has also extended to chess. “As the regulator, all we ask for is good governance and accountability to the government.  Work as a team, and we will have more of these activities. I therefore call upon all the participants to compete fairly, respect the rules of the game, and uphold the spirit of sportsmanship throughout the tournament, and I congratulate the Uganda Chess Federation, the African partners, sponsors, and all the stakeholders for making this championship possible.”