South Africa-based chess sponsor, Tiwone Mdina, has invested in a chess documentary meant to empower youngsters on how manage their careers.
The documentary will be distributed to some government primary and secondary schools next month.
Mdina, who is regarded as Malawi’s chess pillar, said it was important for students to balance their academic and sport activities.
“The documentary will give them an insight on how they can balance both activities and excel. We need to encourage students to concentrate on both fronts because it is possible to earn a living from both,” he said.
Mdina hinted on the prospect of launching the documentary during the launch of Mdina National Chess Championship next month.
Former Chess Association of Malawi (Chessam) publicity secretary, Gilton Mkumbwa, said the initiative would also help preserve records.
“This is a very good project and we need to encourage such activities.
Firstly, it will educate youngsters and inspire them to plan their activities. As a country, we also need to preserve such information which might become handy later,” he said.
Malawi’s top players, including Gerald Mphungu and Ellen Mpinganjira, featured in the documentary, sharing their experiences as well as how Mdina sponsorship has revolutionised chess.
The documentary was shot in Mangochi and Blantyre. It also features segments of previous Mdina tournaments.
Recently, uncertainty surrounding this year’s Mdina championship was cleared after the sponsor released K1 million to Chess Association of Malawi (Chessam).
Mdina’s sponsorship was shrouded in mist following his open criticism of Chessam administration.
Recently, the sponsor said he had sorted out the issues with Chessam. Mdina started sponsoring chess in 2009 to the tune of K800,000 and no player has ever defended such a title.
Edgar Khan won the first edition of Mdina Championship, whereas Chiletso Chipanga, Peter Jailosi and Gerald Mphungu are also previous winners.
Leave a Reply