Sasol is the title sponsor of a children’s chess championship organised by the Supreme Chess Trust’s “Moves for Life” programme at the Graceland Hotel, Secunda from 16-18 January 2014.

As Sasol’s public private partnership for community support in the Mpumalanga province, the Ikusasa initiative has invested R6.9 million in the sponsorship over a three year period, with the aim of improving the performance of learners in Mathematics, Science and Technology subjects.

Commenting on Sasol’s Ikusasa’s support of the initiative, Gerrit Viljoen: Sasol Secunda General Manager for Safety, Health and Environment said, “Our support of this important festival is aligned with our strategy to contribute to the improvement of education in the Govan Mbeki municipal area. By engaging young children in constructive extramural activities like chess, we actively contribute to the development of academic and life skills in these youngsters, who are our future talent base.”

The festival, in which 400 learners from 13 schools across the Govan Mbeki region will participate, is the First Moves for Life programme in South Africa in which the entire community and its children are invited to become involved.

Moves for Life founder Marissa van der Merwe explained the mechanics of the festival: “The learners will participate in two full-day training sessions on Thursday and Friday, 16-17 January 2014. They will be tutored by national trainers and the programme will also include practical training sessions with Hoerskool Waterkloof chess players. On Saturday, 18 January, three tournaments will be played and prizes will be awarded to tournament winners.”

This gesture from Sasol manifests the company’s commitment to the local community and its keenness in developing a generation with high mental capabilities. Chess teaches children a myriad of positive attributes, most notably, improved performance of learners in mathematics, science and technology subjects.

A family day is also planned for Saturday, 18 January 2014, and members of the public are invited to attend chess themed stalls and enjoy other fun chess related activities. Profits from the day will be donated to the Supreme Chess Trust to sponsor deserving learners from Embalenhle and Secunda in the 2014 national chess championship.

Ends

Issued by:

Alex Anderson, Group Media Manager
Direct telephone +27 (11) 441 3295; Mobile +27 (0) 71 600 9605;
alex.anderson@sasol.com

Jacqui O’Sullivan, GM: Group Communication
Direct telephone +27 (11) 441 3252; Mobile +27 (0) 82 883 9697;
jacqui.osullivan@sasol.com