Battle of the Chess Clubs

Face-off at the Mae Jemison U.S. Science Reading Room

July 12, 2012

It was an afternoon of anticipation, defeat, and triumph and as 20 chess club members faced off during the first ever Rosa Parks Library vs. Mae Jemison Reading Room Chess Tournament on June 29, in Mamelodi. While the first five places went to the host team, the Rosa Parks Library members said they are keener than ever to hone their skills for a return tournament.

This was the first-ever chess gathering between patrons of the Mae Jemison Reading Room in the township of Mamelodi, near Pretoria, and the Rose Parks Library in Soweto, southwest of Johannesburg. Both of these American Spaces sponsor chess clubs are part of their outreach activities, so the Mission decided to bring them together.

“This tournament makes me feel proud!” said Rosa Parks Library Director Vusi Kaunda.  When asked why he played chess, one participant gave a confident response: “Because it is fun!”

First place went to Alex Maredi, followed by Nomthandazo Nene, Ruan Jenson Van Rensburg, Mongezi Fakude, Lehlohonolo Letswalo, all from Mamelodi, with Siyabonga Dube from Soweto taking the sixth place medal.