Western Cape Chess recently held an Online Heritage Fundraising Tournament in support of CANSA West Coast and president Andre Lewaks says it was a huge success.
The online tournament had a guaranteed prize fund of R5 000 sponsored by Club Mykonos and took place on September 24. A total of R5 200 was donated to the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA), West Coast region.
Andre said he was grateful for the enthusiastic support of the chess community who came out in their droves to support this truly worthy cause. They really showed amazing kindness and proved that their hearts are in the right place.
We all know that with Covid-19 times are tough and people are struggling financially. So, for them to pay the entry fee to participate and do their bit to assist CANSA, West Coast was awesome.
Charlene Boucher from CANSA, West Coast, was full of praise for the Western Cape chess community for their act of kindness.
She said they are very grateful for the support they have received. That contribution is going to make a big difference in our service to our patients and at our two care homes. Without the help of the community, we would not be able to deliver the services and do the work that we are doing.
We are keen to still walk a long road with Western Cape Chess and we want to make this tournament an annual event. Also, a huge thank you to Club Mykonos for the donation of prize money. We appreciate it.
The tournament was very competitive, with Keith Khumalo winning the Steinitz Division. He was the only unbeaten player over 11 rounds.
The combined Lasker & Capablanca Division comprised of 5 rounds of Rapid (15+0) and was won by Minenhle Junior Mncwabe who finished on 4.5 points.
The combined Lasker & Capablanca Division comprised of 5 rounds of Rapid (15+0) and was won by Rojan Jameson who was unbeaten on 4.5 points.
The Botvinnik Division comprised of 5 rounds of Rapid (15+0) and was won by Sipho Mlenzana who was unbeaten but whose account had violated the Lichess terms of service during the tournament.
People can still donate to CANSA West Coast by contacting Ricardo Minnaar via Whatsapp or telephone at 081 546 2221.
