Chess players showcase skills at National Championship Program

Deaf Chess Federation of Kenya held the 3rd National Deaf Chess Championship today at a hotel in Nairobi.

The event which acted as a qualifier for players aiming to represent Kenya at the 21st ICSD Winter Deaflympics in Innsbruck, Austria attracted various deaf chess players around the country.

The championship also provided an important platform for players to showcase their skills over the chessboard as it highlighted the growing role of chess as an inclusive sport capable of bringing together athletes from different backgrounds.

Speaking during the qualifiers event held on Saturday, the deaf team head coach Moses Adhiwa said that the event serves as a key moment which will help the federation in selection of a team that will represent Kenya during the upcoming Deaflympics.

“We are here playing the qualifiers today which will give us enough time to select a team that will have regular training so that we will have the best players for the tournament.”

Adhiwa also highlighted the team’s development as he remained confident of Kenya shining in the international stage.

“I am pleased with the development that we have experienced for the few years we have had since our formation and from the recent achievements we have had I know we are going to present a team that will give us better results,” he said.

Adhiwa further added that the deaf chess is yet to witness its best success as he invited the government and other partners to continue supporting the development of deaf chess.

“I am sure that the team we will have will deliver success all we want is to welcome everybody on-board including the government and all other partners of good will to come and help us in supporting and promoting the deaf chess.”

Also present during the event was Betty Wambugu from Pathodiology who said their partnership for the deaf chess is to support, create awareness and ensure inclusivity in sports about for people with hearing impairment.

“Our main objective to come and sponsor the deaf chess tournament today is to support and create awareness with everyone and advocate for inclusivity in other sports, not only chess.”

Wambugu also called for improved support in the deaf chess as she invited interested parties to join them in improving the welfare of the deaf athletes.

“My call to anyone who may want to come on board is to welcome them as we promote the deaf chess, let anybody who loves sports and chess come unite with us so that we can help the game and the players develop.”

The tournament comes at a time when deaf chess in Kenya is gaining momentum following the country’s participation in international competitions.