Kitty learns chess at Bridge
8/25/2017 – You've seen Queen of Katwe, the story Phiona Mutesi, now 20 years old, and her rise through chess from a life of poverty in a Ugandan village. Now meet Kitty, a seven year old girl who is representing Uganda at the African Schools Individual Chess Championships in Zimbabwe. | Photos: Bridge International Academies
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Kitty Joyce Mary Ndagizimana
The story of seven year old Ugandan hopeful Kitty was brought to our attention by Bridge International Academies, a for-profit network of schools currently operating in India, Kenya, Liberia, Nigeria, and Uganda. At their Nsumbi school in Kampala, three students recently received sponsorship enabling them to represent Uganda at the African Schools and Individual Chess championships currently ongoing in Zimbabwe’s capital Harare.
Kitty and two other Bridge teammates received the sponsorship earlier this month from Maj. Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the son and close advisor of Uganda's President, Yoweri Museveni who has been in power since 1986.
Muhoozi's spokesman, Maj. Chris Magezi (pictured at right), visited Kitty’s school, observed classes in action, and played a game with Kitty.
“Maj. Gen. Muhoozi learnt about Kitty’s ambitions through a fundraising campaign on Ugandan social media. He decided to help these young stars to achieve their dreams of playing chess at an international level. These children will make Uganda proud in Zimbabwe.” Magezi said.
Kitty has become a rising star in the Ugandan media after her chess prowess impressed everyone who played against her. “I am so happy that I will be taking part in the chess tournament in Zimbabwe and be able to play other children across Africa. I am so proud to be representing my school and my country.” Kitty said.
In additiona to Kitty, Wasswa Paul Kervin plays in the under 11 category and Muwanguzi Patrick Elijah plays in the under the 9 category.
Bridge International Academies teaches chess as part of its co-curricular activities and has a fully-fledged chess school club.
For a glimpse into the project and how Kitty has come to international prominance, here are a pair of videos on her efforts:
Kitty Is Learning Every Day And Has Big Dreams For The Future
NBS video report showing Kitty’s chess prowess
Kitty unfortunately was delayed and forced to forfeit her first round game in Harare, and scored just ½ out of her next five games, so she's at the start of a very long, uphill climb, if she's to be the next to be the next Phiona Mutesi.
Queen of Katwe, behind the scenes footage
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Yes... "Queen of Katwe" is a 1600-1700 player, but that is not what her story is about.
Well, we all have to start somewhere. If she has the drive, she can get there. But it didn't happen for her in this tournament, where she unfortunately scored just a half point out of eight games (after the forfeit). Added a link to the Chess-Results page.
Credit pioneers as such. Masters as such. Please don't conflict the two.
While the story is nice, "Queen of Katwe" is a 1628-player...big deal chess-wise.
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