The NCBA Go Getters Chess Team off to Oman
The NCBA Go Getters Chess Team is all set for the 2023 World Amateurs Chess Championship in Oman. The NCBA Bank Team won the Kenya Corporates Chess Championship played in July and the recently completed Kenya Interbanks games. NCBA Bank has sponsored nine individuals in total, six players and three officials – Lucy Kimani Wanjiru, Flavien Atong, Gitau Joseph, Kariuki Wilson, Zadock Nyakundi, Philip Njuguna, Maurice Obila, Rodah Etole and Apollo Otieno.
Apollo Otieno, NCBA group deputy HR, gave the opening remarks welcoming all stakeholders and invited Gilbert Wandera to speak on behalf of the Chess Kenya team. He highlighted Kenya’s consistent participation in the event for the third consecutive year. He commended NCBA for their significant presence in the chess world, encouraging them to participate in next year’s National League.
Monicah Kihia, Group Director HR, spoke of the bank’s position in supporting sports in the country, highlighting its commitment to seeing chess thrive and get more recognition in Kenya.
Maurice Obila, the NCBA Chess Team Captain, expressed gratitude to both the bank and Chess Kenya for their unwavering support on the team’s chess journey.
Karen Kantai, NCBA’s Chief Risk Officer and the team’s patron expressed her pride in the team’s remarkable journey, transforming from 14th place in 2019 to a top team representing the nation globally.
John Gachora, Group MD, recognized the underappreciated sport of chess in Kenya but acknowledged its impressive achievements, including trips to Malta, Greece, Germany, and Oman. He congratulated the team and offered three pieces of advice: have fun, win, and return successfully.
The team was handed over their awards from previous tournaments, with players receiving certificates and the bank management, led by the Group MD, John Gachora , accepting trophies in a formal flag-off ceremony.
The team departs tomorrow at 4pm, ready to compete in the championship.
Photo and text credit to Chess Kenya.
