Gwehava Primary School, which is located in Gokwe South, emerged winner of the 2024 Crystal Candy National Schools Team Chess finals at Northlea High School in Bulawayo last weekend.
Harare’s Dominican Convent High School won in the secondary schools category at the two-day tournament, which saw over 450 young chess players representing 37 primary and secondary schools from the country’s 10 provinces taking part.
The provincial finals of the event, organised by the Zimbabwe Chess Federation (ZCF) took place on May 17 across the provinces.
Gwehava amassed seven points from seven rounds to beat 17 other primary schools while Runyararo Primary School from Mashonaland East settled for second place with five points and Harare’s Haig Park had four points in third place.
In the secondary school class Dominican Convent ruled the roost with six points from seven rounds with Leibenburg High School from Mashonaland East coming second, a point behind while Waryward from Midlands finished third despite having the same number of points as Leibenburg.
“The Zimbabwe Chess Federation would like to extend its heartfelt congratulations to all the winners and participants of the Crystal Candy National Schools Final Team Chess Tournament. The event was a resounding success, thanks to the immense support and commitment of Crystal Candy Zimbabwe. Their dedication to nurturing young chess talent aligns perfectly with ZCF's vision of promoting chess as both a sport and an educational tool,” ZCF secretary general Todd Mapingire said.
‘’We are truly grateful for Crystal Candy Zimbabwe's invaluable support in making the tournament a resounding success and commitment to growing chess in Zimbabwe. Their commitment to nurturing young chess talent is commendable and aligns with ZCF's vision of promoting chess as a sport and educational tool.
“ZCF looks forward to future editions of this prestigious event, which will undoubtedly continue to encourage the growth of chess talent in Zimbabwe,’’ Mapingire said.
The tournament served as a platform to foster chess talent and promote healthy competition among students.