Lisa is Zululand’s chessboard queen
IF you know anything about the chess scene in the Zululand region, you will most definitely know Lisa Griffiths, the woman who kick-started it all about a decade ago.
She hails from Indonesia where she would play chess in the village streets as a teenager, as the majority of her friends did not have TV to entertain them.
‘I became more interested in chess when my son, Ralf participated in a tournament and did well enough to be selected for the Northern KZN team.
'But the tournament was held only twice a year, and my son and other young chess players in the area were unable to further their skills.
'The closest coach was in Durban, which is quite a way to travel,’ said Lisa.
She was determined to change this, and by March 2014 the uThungulu Chess Association was formed with Lisa selected as chairperson.
By December the same year they were able to select a district team and, for the first time, uThungulu district (now King Cetshwayo) participated in the South African junior championships.
‘By 2015, more chess players began to join our team from all five surrounding municipalities. Each year, our team grows in number and strength, and we bring home more medals each year.
'I must add that I had limited knowledge about chess and had never led any group of people. But it was my determination which drove me to make a difference as I told myself that I would be able to do something about it,’ she said.
‘I strongly recommend that every parent and school encourage children to learn the game of chess as there are so many skills that can be taught, and gained, through it.’
Lisa can be contacted on email at lisaceraldegriffiths@gmail.com, by phone on 083 6581823 or on WhatsApp - 068 1412053.