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Writer's pictureChristopher Major

This October, We celebrate the Queen of Uganda Chess: Christine Namaganda

In 2016, Novato Chess Club (NCC) of Marin County saw the movie Queen of Katwe, a movie starring the great, Phiona Mutusi; who rose out of the Village of Katwe, Uganda becoming a global chess icon around the world playing competitive chess in Russia, as well as the continent of Africa. However, the real star for NCC was the great Christine Namaganda, the undefeated Uganda chess champion for 8 years.

 

She was undefeated; until Phiona finally beat her during the filming of the Katwe movie.

 

I was so inspired that I searched and found the Katwe star, but at that time she was now a global media star with a Disney movie, educational scholarship in the US, and as of this writing working in high tech industry and has done extremely well. Garnering a book deal, a home, the movie, free car, and education for her great successes.

 

However, I did meet the Queen of Uganda chess the next year in 2017. Novato Chess Club was inspired by the long standing success of Christine, and felt she had been left out of the glory. She toiled for years and in the end received nothing. So we the spirit move us; and raised funds for her first 20 chess boards; (even though she had been an undefeated champion for 8 years,) she had nothing for her decades of championship play.

 

It seemed she was forgotten. And that was the beginning of the Dove Chess Academy of Kampala. And since then, Christine just finished her 7th consecutive end of the year chess tournament in Kampala, Uganda.

 

Through the donation of many, the past 8 years, we have helped supply Dove Chess Academy with 250 chessboards and we could not be happier with the Chess in African schools and villages initiative spearheaded by Christine, and Dove Chess Academy.

There is hope, and love when you provide a child the tools; to use their minds.

As my father would, “An idle mind is the devils workshop.”

 

Since 2017, we raise $35,000 to help village students expand their minds, build community and teach the principles of critical thinking and decision making through chess.

 

We believe peace through chess is possible one move at time; our motto is each one teach one; but we cannot do it without your help. So, if you love children discerning, before the make a move, we ask you join us, be part of this amazing grassroots effort spearheaded by Christine.

 

Please take a moment; this moment and donate to Novato Chess Club (NCC) You are helping those who thirst for knowledge, build community programs that are sustainable for decades. No wars at a chess table! And, without your support this magical game does not reach the poor of the poor; so each year we ask for help. and we start now! We need your help. NCC support chess programs in Cote d’Ivoire, Uganda, and Kenya with $100/month we are helping dozens of schools annually continue this beautiful game of peace and perseverance.















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