On 18th April, 63 young chess players took part in the Arusha Schools Chess Competition at Christ Church International School. Children from schools and clubs across Arusha, including Christ Church International School, St. Constantine’s International School, Kagaki School from Nakuru in Kenya, Upendo Friends and Elerai Secondary School, Kimaseki Secondary School, Arusha Secondary School and Suye Secondary School, played in three age groups: 5 to 9 years, 10 to 13 years and 14 and over.

Every player started with four Swiss rounds. The strongest then went on to tiebreakers, a best-of-three semi-final and a final. In total 157 games were played, and every one was completed. The largest group was the 10 to 13 age group, with 39 players.

Champions were crowned in all three age groups: in the 5 to 9 group, a player from St. Constantine’s International School; in the 10 to 13 group, a player from the Kagaki School Chess Club in Nakuru Kenya; and in the 14 and over group, a player from SCIS. Congratulations to them, and to every child who sat down at the board.

At Iyanna Foundation we run chess in schools because it teaches more than the game: patience, focus, respect for an opponent, and learning from a loss. Competitions like this one give children the chance to practise those skills in front of their peers.

Thank you to the schools, teachers, coaches, arbiters and parents who made the day possible. Watch this page for our next tournament, the Chipukizi Cup, on 11 to 13 December.