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St Joseph's Voc School head teacher and chess students receive the donation from ICON representatives
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Sports Desk
Chess remains a relatively underdeveloped sport in Western Uganda, with few established clubs and schools actively participating. However, chess enthusiasts, in collaboration with the national federation, are making deliberate efforts to grow the sport, particularly among school-going youth. The Ibanda Community Organisation Network (ICON) is among the organizations committed to promoting chess. Through a new initiative, ICON is supporting the sport’s growth by providing schools with essential chess equipment.
St Joseph's Voc School head teacher and chess students receive the doination from ICON representatives
On Tuesday, an ICON delegation led by Vice Chairperson Justus Ahimbisibwe visited several schools in Mbarara City, donating 15 chessboards and 30 sets of 16 chess pieces to encourage student participation. At St. Joseph’s Vocational School, the donation was received by Head Teacher Rev. Fr. Christopher Katono, alongside chess patron Stephen Enati and over 40 chess club members.
"We are grateful to Dr. Patrick Bitature and the ICON team for this generous donation," said Rev. Fr. Katono. "Chess is a mind game that enhances critical thinking, and we believe this will not only boost student participation in the sport but also positively impact their academic performance."
St Joseph's chess students test the new boards
St. Joseph’s Vocational School is the reigning USSSA Ankole Zone boys’ chess champion and recently secured 8th place out of 17 schools in the USSSA Ball Games II chess competition in Tororo.
Under the patronage of Dr. Patrick Bitature, ICON focuses on holistic community development, with sports—particularly mind games like chess—playing a key role. "Chess fosters strategic thinking and discipline, aligning with our goal of inclusive development," said Ahimbisibwe.
Incidentally, Dr. Bitature, who is also the patron of the Uganda Chess Federation (UCF) and an active chess player, has championed this initiative. Through ICON’s efforts, over 200 chessboards will be distributed to more than 20 schools in the region, further nurturing young chess talent.
This initiative marks a significant step in popularizing chess among Ugandan youth, with hopes of producing future national and international competitors.
Torch Media Africa
