Address by Dr Ivan Meyer, Western Cape Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport, at the closing ceremony of the Curro Durbanville Chess Open Tournament on 14 September 2013.
The Tournament Director
The Headmaster and staff of Curro Durbanville
Officials, players, parents, ladies and gentlemen
Last year I had the honour of having dinner with Gary Kasparov, the chess grandmaster who in 1985 at the age of only 22 shot to international fame as the youngest ever world chess champion. When recently asked about the impact that chess has on education and youth development, he stated:
“It’s about the sense of responsibility: they know that it’s entirely up to them to make all the difference, and learn how to operate within a legal framework, because the rules are there and you cannot play the game unless you follow the rules.”
Mr Kasparov’s words are in line with the provincial government’s view that progress is only sustainable if one takes personal responsibility for making a move on the chessboard of opportunity. Progress comes from embracing the opportunity and entering the game.
The former world Champion Alexander Alekhine stated:
“I have shaped my character by means of chess. Chess, in the first place, teaches you to be objective. In chess you can become a grandmaster only if you get to know your own lapses and defects, just as in life.”
Following Kasparov’s visit, I announced that I would initiate a “chess revolution” in the Western Cape as there is enough evidence to suggest that through chess learners can:
I indicated then that the chess revolution would entail:
So how has Curro Durbanville responded to my chess revolution? Well, this Chess Open Tournament which attracted over 160 entries of which about 60 are absolute beginners (first tournament ever) is the perfect response and I thank you. Furthermore, I am reliably informed that:
So, given the above, the chess revolution is doing extremely well in Durbanville. I thank you for embracing chess and using it as a platform to equip and prepare our youth for the future … their success will be influenced by the extent to which they have acquired the skills to successfully negotiate the demands of the ever-changing world.
In conclusion, it gives me great pleasure to acknowledge the winners of the inaugural Curro Chess Open. May this event become a permanent feature on the Western Cape Chess calendar.
I thank you.
Daniel Johnson
Spokesperson for Minister Meyer
Tel: 021 483 3261
E-mail: daniel.johnson@westerncape.gov.za