CHESS: Nansubuga gets sh50m sponsorship package
May 15, 2019
Ecobank got interested in the chess player, born and raised in slums of Katwe following her impressive performance at the 43rd Chess Olympiad held in Batumi, Georgia from September 23 to October 6 last year.
Promising player Gloria Nansubuga latest achievement in sports is expected to motivate many more local youngsters to take on the game of chess.
The 18-year-old, a student senior-six student at Jinja SS landed herself a life-changing opportunity after securing a four-year sponsorship package worth sh50m from Ecobank.
Ecobank got interested in the chess player, born and raised in slums of Katwe following her impressive performance at the 43rd Chess Olympiad held in Batumi, Georgia from September 23 to October 6 last year.
Nansubuga finished with 6.5 points in eight rounds to emerge the first local female player at the Olympiad to attain a Woman Fide Master (WFM) title.
Speaking at the Robert Katende Ministries in Makindye, Kampala, Ecobank's executive director Annette Kihuguru stressed that supporting local talent is among their objectives of economically transforming Africa.
"We were impressed with her performances throughout the years but especially at the recent Chess Olympiad," Kihuguru stated.
"We are proud to associate with SOM Chess Academy and we are pleased to contribute to the betterment of life because when young talent is nurtured and supported, they are capable of changing the face of the country."
Under the sponsorship package, Ecobank will cater to Nansubuga's education at any local university of her choice.
They have also offered her an air ticket annually to compete at an international chess tournament.
"I thank God for this great opportunity. I also want to applaud Ecobank and coach Robert Katende for their support," Nansubuga stated.
The founder of SOM Academy, Katende was among the officials that attended the announcement of the sponsorship deal.