Namdia supports Namibian chess players’ dreams

N$286 724 donated to chess team
Three Namibian chess players, Boy Dien, Iyaloo Hamutumwa, and Kaino Moongo, were chosen to represent Namibia in the 2023 International Chess Federation World Cadet Championships.
Ingrid Booysen
The Namibia Chess Federation received N$286 724 in financial support from the Namib Desert Diamonds (Namdia) Foundation last Wednesday to help it participate in the 2023 International Chess Federation (Fide) World Cadet Championships.

The sum will pay for the team's airfare, lodging, gear, competition fees and meals during the 14 to 17 October Fide World Cadet Under-8, U-10, and U-12 championships in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt.

Goodwill Khoa, president of the Namibia Chess Federation, expressed gratitude to the sponsors and said the sponsorship is a fantastic example of how companies can support the development of young talent and the progression of sports greatness.

The foundation "believes in the potential of young chess stars to bring glory to Namibia on the global stage," Khoa said.

"Investing in young athletes is an important step in determining the direction Namibian sports will take, and the Namdia Foundation's sponsorship is a prime illustration of how businesses can support the growth of bright talent and elevate athletic achievement."

Committed

Khoa said this opportunity not only gives these young players a once-in-a-lifetime experience but also emphasised how important the foundation is to this development.

Additionally, he said the trip to Egypt this year is especially noteworthy because it comes just after Namibia participated in the African Youth Chess Championships in Cairo, Egypt.

However, a few players withdrew from the Fide World Cadet Championships because they needed to catch up on schoolwork, showcasing the commitment and delicate balance these young chess players must strike between their academic obligations and their love of the game.

Three chess prodigies, Boy Dien, Iyaloo Hamutumwa, and Kaino Moongo, were chosen to represent Namibia in the championships.

Lloyd Dien, team manager and head of the delegation, and Khoa, will travel with them.