The Elgeyo Marakwet County Chess Regional Qualifiers, held at Sacred Heart of Jesus Academy -Iten, concluded on a high note, with Sing’ore Girls High School, St. Patrick’s Boys High School and Sacred Heart Primary School emerging as the top teams in their respective categories.
The three schools have earned the honor of representing Elgeyo Marakwet County at the highly anticipated National Chess Championships, slated for August in Kisumu County.
Sing’ore Girls, known for their consistent performance both in academics and extracurricular activities, dominated the girls’ category with sharp tactical play and solid teamwork. Their coach praised the girls’ discipline and focus, which has been steadily nurtured through internal competitions and weekend training sessions.
Sacred Heart of Jesus Academy-Iten also had its moment of glory, clinching the top spot in the primary schools’ category. The young chess stars impressed with their composure and game awareness, reflecting the growing popularity of chess even at the foundational level of education.
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St. Patrick’s Iten, a school historically celebrated for producing Olympic-level athletes including David Rudisha, added another feather to its cap by emerging as the top boys’ team. While they’ve shone before such as in the 2019 North Rift Chess Qualifiers, where they swept multiple age categories, this year’s performance confirms that their chess programme remains strong and competitive.
The recent qualifiers not only highlighted the individual brilliance of the players but also showcased the impact of structured training, mentorship, and school support. As the county heads to the nationals, there is renewed optimism that Elgeyo Marakwet will not just participate but compete for national titles.
As Elgeyo Marakwet gears up for the national championships, all eyes will be on the trio. With a legacy of both academic and extracurricular excellence, the region’s representatives are poised to make an impact on the national stage and perhaps even rewrite Kenya’s chess history.
By Mercy Kokwon
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