Team Kenya today morning departed for the 43rd Chess Olympiad.
The Chess Olympiad will be held in the city of Batumi, Georgia from 23rd September to 6th October 2018. Georgia is one of the most charming countries of the former Soviet Union.
Mr Farrah Kassim officially flagged off the team yesterday. Mr Kassim is the the Administration Secretary, Ministry of Sports, Culture and Heritage.
Photo caption – Mr Farrah Kassim presents Head of Delegation John Mukabi with the Kenya flag.
KCB Bank Sponsorhip
They later proceeded to KCB Bank where they were kitted with a number of branded items. KCB Bank have made a generous donation of approximately KES 3.6 million (USD 36,000) as part of their sponsorship package. This covers travel costs, allowances and uniforms for the team.
The Ladies team includes veterans of the past Olympiads; WCM Joyce Nyaruai Ndirangu and Gloria Jumba.
Sasha Mongeli, Daphne Mwikali and Lucy Wanjiru will be making their debut appearance. The coach is well known player Moses Andiwoh.
The Open team includes CM Ben Magana and Philip Mbawala Singe who have played in the past Olympiads.
Dr Victor Ngani, Ricky Sang , Joseph Muragu Methu will be making their debut appearance. The coach is FM Stephen Ouma who is also the CEO of Nairobi Chess Academy.
The Head of Delegation is John Mukabi while the Congress Delegate is Benard Wanjala.
Others who are travelling include Gilbert Wandera, Isaac Babu & Martin Gichia.
Georgia – Land of Women World Champions
Georgia has a strong chess tradition which includes two former Women World Champions.
Nona Gaprindashvili was Ladies World Champion from 1962 to 1978 followed by Maia Chiburdanidze from 1978 to 1991.
Photo caption above – Two former Ladies World Champions play an exhibition match in Batumi. Photo credit to Organisers of Batumi Chess Olympiad.
Festivities in Batumi
Batumi has been abuzz with various chess activities as a build up to this major event.
Photo caption – Chess on the streets of Batumi. Photo credit to Organisers of Batumi Chess Olympiad.
The official mascot of the Batumi Olympiad is a cheerful and kind turtle called ‘Bathusa Turtlestein‘.
Photo caption above – Bathusa Turtlestein entertains the kids in downtown Batumi. Photo credit to Organisers of Batumi Chess Olympiad.
Photo caption above – GM Salome Melia plays a small simultaneous during the ongoing festivals in Batumi. Photo credit to Organisers of Batumi Chess Olympiad.
You can find out more information on the Batumi Olympiad here – 2018 Olympiad.
