The 18th edition of the Som Inter-Project Chess Championship 2024 kicked off today at the Sports Outreach Resource Centre in Kiwawu, Mityana, with over 300 participants competing across various age groups (U8, U10, U12, U14, U16, U18). The three-day tournament runs until December 10th, with awards for Junior and Open categories in both boys and girls.
Participants, hailing from seven SOM Inter-Project Chess Academy branches Kampala, Gulu, Jinja, Kagadi, Masaka, Hoima, and Budaka qualified through their respective centers serving over 2,000 children. Founder Robert Katende praised the players for their passion despite challenges, emphasizing the tournament’s goal of transforming lives and spreading hope through chess.
The event features rated and unrated players, with medals, trophies, and scholarships up for grabs for top performers on the closing day, Wednesday. SOM Chess Academy aims to nurture talent, instill discipline, support orphans’ education, and empower the disabled.
This year’s championship is proudly sponsored by Jason Yip, with additional support from Jeff Steiner, Dana and Kathryn Hiscock, Dr. Peer, Daryl Calfee, the Clenets, and more. “This event shows what’s possible when partners believe in these children’s potential,” Katende said.
