Municipality provides sets to boost draughts game in the Bay

Port Elizabeth, South Africa - Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality has given the game of draughts a major boost to in the city by donating 45 boards and sets of draughts to the Nelson Mandela Bay Association of Draughts at an event held in Zwide Stadium on Thursday, 28 November 2013.

The Nelson Mandela Bay has twelve draughts players who are currently at an international level, including the world’s second best player, Lubabalo Kondlo. The Nelson Mandela Bay Portfolio Chairperson for Sports, Arts and Culture, Cllr Nomamerica, could not hide her excitement as she handed over the equipment to the Association Chairman.

Magopeni said she was pleased that the Municipality had helped to reach this milestone, but was “concerned” that she “did not see any women at the handover ceremony".

"We want to thank the Association for the commitment they have shown in this pursuit. Their commitment has managed to put the city on the international map, as they have produced the world's second best player from the dusty streets of New Brighton Township. As the Municipality, we would like to see more young people, especially females, participating in this pursuit and occupying leadership positions as well," said Councillor Magopeni.

Association Chairperson, Phumezile Marwana, stated that there was great talent within Nelson Mandela Bay, with Lubabalo Kondlo having played overseas. “Our target is to send all the other eleven players overseas so that they can compete on the world stage.

“Unfortunately, draughts are associated with drugs and unemployed people who stay on street corners. We are now working hard to change the image of this game. Positive spin-offs are beginning to show,” said Marwana.

He announced that the Association would be hosting eight to ten American players in February. "The fact that the leading country in draughts will be coming to the city means that we have got something strong going on right here," he added.

He explained that the reason for the small number of ladies in the clubs was the fact that the game had been stigmatised. “We are, however, growing the number of participants by encouraging  schools and women players to come on board," said Marwana.

The equipment will be equally distributed to all the clubs across Nelson Mandela Bay. Councillor Magopeni called on the players and clubs to look after the equipment, as the Municipality still had to support other associations with limited financial resources.