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Stanbic Bank made good on their pledge to continue supporting the Botswana National Club Championship by committing to 21,000 pulas (US$3700) for the 2001-2002 event. This announcement was made after an full account of Botswana Chess Federation's (BCF) use of 17, 613 pulas (US$3100) for 2000-2001. General Secretary Patrick Wanda writes,
"The BCF reiterated its commitment in the upliftment of playing standards of chess through such high quality tournaments. Stanbic National Club Championships is the 2nd BCF event where the FIDE imposed full time control of 4 hours for each player is applied. This is a big achievement in our effort of exposing and preparing our national youthful talent to International Chess competitions."
With GM Judit Polgar coming to Botswana in August, the National Club Championships will be used as a qualifier to fill the remaining places at the international event scheduled for 2nd August. The Board Gold Medallists will have the opportunity to participate in the simultaneous display by GM Polgar at Boipuso Hall. Last year's inaugural Club Championships attracted 14 clubs. The defending champions, Bonyonyo Chess Club is composed mainly of Botswana National Chess team players. Ms. Ruth Modisane of Stanbic Bank Botswana has been the main facilitator of this initiative and will continue to serve as its director.
This year's Stanbic Bank Club Championships will begin on the 13th of July (President's day) at 8:00 p.m. (20:00 hours) at the President hotel in Gaborone, the nation's capitol.
Posted by The Chess Drum: 10 July 2001
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