ARUSHA: A non-governmental organization here, Elimu Yetu Development Organization, has finalized preps for the tournament to be staged on July 18, 2026, in the city as part of celebrations to mark International Chess Day.
The tournament, known as International Chess Day Open 2026, is being organised in collaboration with the Tanzania Chess Association (TACA) and will take place at the Elimu Yetu Development Organization offices in Kijenge Juu, Arusha, from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.
The tournament coordinator and Librarian at Elimu Yetu Development Organization, Johnson John, said the event will involve different categories, including children aged between five and nine years, 10 to 14 years, those aged 15 years and above, as well as women and girls.
He said they expect to receive participants from primary and secondary schools, colleges, universities, Chess clubs and individual players from different regions across the country.
“Our goal is not only to organise a tournament, but also to build a community that values critical thinking, proper decision-making, discipline, patience and teamwork through Chess or Sataranji,” he said.
Johnson called upon parents, teachers, school leaders, young people and stakeholders in sports and education to participate in the event, noting that Chess helps develop critical thinking, strategic planning and decision-making skills.
He added that on July 19, there will be special training for Chess coaches from within Arusha City as well as other people interested in learning the game.
“The training will be conducted by the Tanzania Chess Association (TACA) and aims to equip participants with skills and provide an opportunity to exchange experiences on how best to manage and develop the game,” he said.
Meanwhile, Elimu Yetu Development Organization Co-Founder, Brighid McCarthy (Manka), said the organisation has been providing education services for more than 11 years through various programmes targeting children, young people and adults.
She said apart from classroom education, the organisation runs programmes in sports, arts, talent development, life skills, foreign languages and technology, using sports as a tool to build confidence, courage and strategic decision-making among young people.
“Chess, or Sataranji, is a mind game that can be played by people of all ages. It teaches young people to think before making decisions, be patient and develop strategies in their daily lives,” she said.
Brighid added that the organisation has been running Chess programmes for about five years in collaboration with different partners, including Iyanna Foundation.
She said the organisation is also preparing a Chess teaching book on how to read and write the game to help teachers and players understand it more effectively.
Winners of the tournament will receive cash prizes, trophies, medals, certificates and other awards.
According to the organisers, the competition aims to promote Chess in Tanzania and encourage children, young people and adults to participate in the intellectual game.
International Chess Day is celebrated globally every year on July 20.