Stellenbosch Chess Academy Feature on NEWS24
With a mission to promote a strong chess culture in South Africa, Gavin Joon’s Stellenbosch Chess Academy is making undeniable waves in the world of chess education. Joon, a young emerging chess talent, got the opportunity about seven years ago to participate in the South African Junior Chess Championship (Closed) in the under-20 section.
This championship was no walk in the park; it was a gathering of the nation’s top young players, each with their eyes on the crown. Joon proved himself to be a formidable player, securing a place among the top 13 chess players in South Africa for that age group. This achievement sparked a deep desire in Joon. He not only acknowledged his skill in the game but also his passion for chess and a strong urge to share this enthusiasm with those around him.
Today, Joon is the proud founder of the Stellenbosch Chess Academy, an institution aimed at shaping young players into competitive chess players. The academy, under Joon’s guidance, serves as the official chess coach for a remarkable range of schools, including Laerskool Stellenbosch, Laerskool Eikestad, Rhenish Primary, Hoërskool Stellenbosch, Rhenish Girls’ High, Paarl Girls’ High, and Weber Memorial School.
His hard work and dedication have yielded significant results. “In 2023 alone, the academy has produced 13 Cape Winelands (Boland) chess players and one Western Cape chess player. Stellenbosch Chess Academy has become a beacon for chess enthusiasts, not only in Stellenbosch but also in Franschhoek, Paarl, Somerset West, Durbanville, Cape Town, and their surrounding areas,” says Joon. “At the core of it all, I am passionate about the art that each chess game brings,” reflects Joon.
“Through the academy, I have found a way to share not only my knowledge of the game but also to shape the young minds of our community into critical thinkers. I find joy in seeing how they use their creativity and imagination over the board.” Joon states that the academy has a clear mission to use the art of chess as a tool to enhance students’ learning abilities, critical thinking, and focus. Stellenbosch Chess Academy offers personal chess lessons and professional online classes and is dedicated to integrating chess programs into structured weekly curriculums. For inquiries or more information about the Stellenbosch Chess Academy, visit www.chesscoaching.co.za.
Credit to the author: https://www.netwerk24.com/netwerk24/za/eikestadnuus/nuus/skaakakademie-vorm-jong-talent-20230726-2
