MINERVA Risk Advisors renewed their sponsorship for the 2024 Zimbabwe International Open Chess Tournament after pledging a $7260 purse for the event in Harare on Wednesday.
The tournament open to all age groups is set for July 31- August 4 and will run under the auspices of the Zimbabwe Chess Federation (ZCF) ably supported by Minerva for the fourth-year running.
Speaking during the sponsorship unveiling ceremony at Minerva offices, the company's group chief executive Lydia Tanyanyiwa expressed their desire to extend their footprint to the vulnerable and marginalised areas.
"We believe that chess promotes independent thinking, and we would like to see chess go down to the most disadvantaged aspects of our communities, schools, and growing children," she said.
"We really would like to have Zimbabwe on the map of chess globally. Chess teaches players to carefully consider their moves, anticipate their opponents' responses, and make thoughtful decisions. All valuable attributes that translate well to various aspects of life and work."
The group CEO made a passionate plea for authorities to inculcate the love of chess within the young children.
"I think it creates discipline in people. And if we catch them young, then we are doing a great job. So, if we are having youngsters as young as five years old, can you imagine that person, by the time they are in their teens, they will be doing extremely well," added Tanyanyiwa.
"We also want to uplift chess at the national level. We are proud to support the growth and development of chess in Zimbabwe. This tournament provides a platform to showcase the incredible talent and potential of Zimbabwean chess players on the national stage. And we are hoping from the national stage, we jump on to the international stage. By investing in this event, we hope to elevate the profile of chess within the country, inspiring more people to take up the game, and further strengthen Zimbabwe's chess ecosystem. We also would like to increase visibility and popularity."
- Minerva renews sponsorship for Zim Chess Open
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ZCF secretary-general Todd Mapingire said Minerva's sponsorship over the years has made it possible for them to take the game to the grassroots.
"We are thankful to Minerva Risk Advisors for the partnership that they have come to over the last three years. Without such partnerships, chess will never go to the grassroots," he said.
"Every year, before Minerva came on board, we would be asking for sponsorship of the Zimbabwe Open Tournament. This is the biggest tournament that we have in the country. So, when you then concentrate on the bigger tournament, you then give little time to the grassroots, who actually feed into the Open Tournament.
"So thank you Minerva for the support. We are comfortable with Minerva sponsoring us in the Zimbabwe Open Tournament every year," added Mapingire.
