THE CHESS TEAM GEARS UP FOR THE 2024 AFRICAN GAMES AND THE 2024 AFRICA INDIVIDUAL CHESS CHAMPIONSHIP IN ACCRA, GHANA.
Accra, Ghana – The chess team from Uganda is eagerly preparing to embark on a remarkable journey to the 2023 African Games in Accra, Ghana. However, the fate of Uganda’s participation in the grandest event in Africa, the 2024 Africa Individual Chess Championship, hangs in the balance. Intriguingly, both events are set to take place in the same country, one after the other.
Uganda Chess Federation (UCF) is currently classified as a tier two sports federation in Uganda thanks to the efforts of NCS, Parliament, and Ministry of Education & Sports, etc. However, a significant challenge faced by National Federations, such as the Uganda Chess Federation (UCF), is the classification of major games in Uganda, namely the Olympics, African Games, and Commonwealth Games. This classification excludes major events in non-Olympic or non-Commonwealth sports disciplines. Chess, for example, has several major events such as the World Chess Olympiad, the Chess World Cup, the Africa Individual Chess Championship, the Africa Junior Chess Championship, the Africa Amateurs Chess Championship, the Zonal Chess Championship/World Cup qualifier, and the emerging BRICS Games, which are not covered under the major games funding provided by the government of Uganda.
It is very vital to address these irregularities without misconstruing sports leaders who raise genuine concerns as negative individuals. We are merely acting as whistleblowers or lobbying for our sports federations, and it is crucial for Honorable Members of Parliament and other key decision-makers and stakeholders to address this issue. In the next funding cycle, federations that fund their own major games and qualifiers should receive more funding to rectify the double funding received by their counterparts in the same tier.
The playing schedule for the 2024 Africa Individual Chess Championship
This is not the first time such a situation has arisen. During the 2022 World Chess Olympiad in Birmingham, where UCF played and qualified for the 2023 Chess World Cup, the event coincided with the 2022 Commonwealth Games. Despite the significance of the World Chess Olympiad, chess was not funded. However, it is worth noting that chess scored Uganda’s first medal at the 2019 All-Africa Games in Morocco and is now at the 2023 African Games because of a direct qualification slot from the unfunded 2022 World Chess Olympia performance.
In September of 2024 the Budapest, Hungary World Chess Olympiad is set to coincide with the 2024 Paris Olympic Games and this time around Chess requires funding in equal measure as our counterparts. In June 2024 the inaugural 2024 BRICS games are set for Kazan, Russia and a supplementary budget might need to come through soonest.
This is not the first time such a situation has arisen. During the 2022 World Chess Olympiad in Birmingham, where UCF played and qualified for the 2023 Chess World Cup, the event coincided with the 2022 Commonwealth Games. Despite the significance of the World Chess Olympiad, chess was not funded. However, it is worth noting that chess scored Uganda’s first medal at the 2019 All-Africa Games in Morocco and is now at the 2023 African Games because of a direct qualification slot from the unfunded 2022 World Chess Olympia performance.
In September of 2024 the Budapest, Hungary World Chess Olympiad is set to coincide with the 2024 Paris Olympic Games and this time around Chess requires funding in equal measure as our counterparts. In June 2024 the inaugural 2024 BRICS games are set for Kazan, Russia and a supplementary budget might need to come through soonest.
Uganda might not be the richest of countries, but we are blessed with talents, resources & patriotic people like the Ugandan athletes. Let the sacrifices of our athletes not be in vain. It is essential to align our priorities based on among others the talents and abilities available to us in our nation. Uganda has been blessed with an abundance of talent, and despite limited resources, this Chess talent & other have shone brightly, making Uganda a regional Chess powerhouse and a continental giant in the Chess sport. The remarkable talent and outstanding results achieved on both the world and continental stages position chess not only as a high-impact sport for Uganda but also as a contender for inclusion among the top-tier( tier one) sports federations in Uganda.
The 2023 Accra Ghana African Games are scheduled to take place from 1st to 24th March 2023. The Uganda Chess Federation qualified directly after a splendid performance at the 2022 World Chess Olympiad in Chennai, India. The games, postponed from the previous year, now align fortuitously with the grandest chess event in Africa- The 2024 Africa Individual Chess Championship.
Chess will be played at the Allison Hotel in Accra, Ghana, from the 8th to the 12th of March 2023, while the Africa Individual Chess Championship will run from the 12th to the 21st of March in the same city . Meticulous planning has been undertaken to ensure a seamless transition for players from the 2023 African Games to the 2024 Africa Individual Chess Championship (AICC).
Credit goes to the Government of Uganda through the National Council of Sports (NCS), for chess reappearing at the 2023 African games. We are aware of the financial constraints at hand. FM Wanyama Harold, a recipient of a bronze medal at the 2019 All Africa Games, and Nakabo Peninah, the victor of the 2018 Africa Amateur Championship, shall stand as exemplars of their nation. This momentous occasion serves as a profound honor for these gifted individuals as they undertake the noble task of representing their beloved country.
The UCF is also keenly aware of this significant development and has already seized the opportunity by enlisting these exceptional players for the 2024 African Individual Chess Championship (AICC). In 2019, the chess team, a constituent part of the Ugandan contingent, made their inaugural appearance at the games. The decision to include them was fraught with difficulty, as chess was initially granted slots for only half of a full team. However, Dr. Ogwel Bernard, the General Secretary of the NCS, reassured that if the chess team demonstrated commendable performance and secured a medal, they would be granted the privilege of a complete team in subsequent editions. Today, that promise has come to fruition, and it is only fitting to extend heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Ogwel and the entire team at NCS for their invaluable support and dedication.
This unique circumstance presents a valuable opportunity for several African nations to save costs by participating in both events. Thanks to the brilliant planning by the Ghana Chess Association under the Africa Chess Confederation (ACC), and the World Chess Federation (FIDE), a single air ticket can transport players to both the 2023 African Games and the 2024 Africa Individual Chess Championship, providing a cost-cutting advantage.
Uganda, recognized as a chess powerhouse on the African continent, is striving to field a formidable team of ten players, with five in the open category and five in the ladies category. Each National Federation can enter a maximum of five players in each section. Additionally, each federation must nominate one player in each section as an Official Player, who will receive free board and lodging for the championship’s duration. This serves as an incentive for federations to send their best players to compete in the 2024 Africa Individual Chess Championship/ 2025 World Cup qualifier & UCF has meticulously jumped on this opportunity as well.
This is a huge opportunity for all top sports officials in Uganda (the ministers, NCS officials, UOC officials, MPs, etc.) who will be at the 2023 African games, to attend the grandest chess competitions in Africa as well. Another rare opportunity for our chess athletes to shine glory on our nation Uganda. For one air ticket and no extra costs on accommodation etc., all shall have to save costs. The top brass of the Chess World leaders including the World Chess Federation (FIDE) President Arkady Dvorkovich shall be at the games as well implying several partnerships can be forged during meetings at the games.
The Uganda Chess Federation is actively seeking sponsorship and support from various stakeholders to ensure the successful participation of its team in both events. They are reaching out to government agencies, corporate entities, and chess enthusiasts to provide financial assistance and resources for the other 8 players (4 men, 4 ladies) and if possible 2 officials. Peninah Nakabo is seen as no 7 in the 2024 AICC rankings while FM Harold Wanyama is seen as no 10. The addition of the other players in both categories shall increase the winning chances of our representatives. Each additional player needs approximately $2,500 to $3,500 in total, subject to flight availability. This is inclusive of; an ACC Tournament Fee of $50, and a Registration Fee of $60 to be paid to the Organizers, to help fulfill the accreditation process within the stipulated deadline. Furthermore, an air ticket amounting to approximately $1,050 is required. Accompanying persons and officials shall be responsible for their accommodation expenses, with twin rooms available for $80 per person per day, inclusive of three meals, and single rooms at $95 per person per day, also inclusive of three meals. These costs shall collectively contribute to the realization of our dreams
Our superiors at the National Council of Sports (NCS) have already indicated that they wish to support but are unable due to the limited resources availed by the government and all funds released are not only not enough but will all be channeled towards the multiple teams headed to Accra, Ghana for the 2023 African games. The Uganda Chess Federation (UCF) believes that investing in chess and supporting its talented players will yield significant returns, not only in terms of sporting achievements but also in promoting critical thinking, strategic planning, and mental development among the youth.
As the chess team from Uganda gears up for the 2023 African Games and the 2024 Africa Individual Chess Championship, they are determined to overcome the financial challenges and make their mark on the international stage. The players are training rigorously, sharpening their skills, and preparing to compete against some of the best chess players in Africa.
Chess enthusiasts and supporters of the sport are eagerly anticipating the performances of the Ugandan chess team and are hopeful that their participation in these prestigious events will contribute to the growth and recognition of chess in Uganda and the African continent as a whole.
We thank you in advance for your support!!
Credit:
Eng. Mwaka Emmanuel
President: Uganda Chess Federation
WhatsApp: +256782083657
