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Gloria Becomes the First Salama Player to Qualify for African Youth Chess Championship

After 4 days of 8 exciting and grueling games at the Kenya National Youth Chess Championships (KNYCC), a thrilling piece of news made a sensation in the Salama community – Gloria Wakoli Mbolo became the very first Salama player who qualified for the African Youth Chess Championship (AYCC).

Gloria scored 6 points out of 8 rounds: an extraordinary feat, by any measure. Her fierceness in chess and in life is exemplary of true passion and steadfast dedication. Although CTC, for lack of funding, is not able to sponsor Gloria to the 2024 AYCC, which will soon take place in Johannesburg, South Africa, Gloria’s achievement serves as motivation for her future chess improvement, as well as inspiration to all other Salama players.

Besides Gloria, three other Salama players, Maxwell, Vincely, and Brian, narrowly missed qualification with 4.5 points, merely half a point short of the required 5 points. Their strong performance is equally impressive and speaks for their outstanding chess skills and talents. 

One more big round of applause to Gloria, and to all the Salama players who competed at KNYCC!

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First Puzzle Contest Makes a Big Wave in Salama Gachie Community

Thanks to the gracious gift from a CTC donor, solicited by CTC Director of Fundraising Adamson Steiner and CTC President of Global Outreach IM Evan Park, the first puzzle contest for Salama schools was held successfully on April 9th at the Salama Gachie Primary School.

39 players including alumni and students from affiliated schools, participated in this landmark event, with 3 winners emerging after hours of intensive puzzle solving: first prize of $300 went to Lehman Okoyo, and second prize of $200 and third Prize of $100 were equally split between Clement Onyango and Karen Mango, who tied for second place. All other contenders also received $10 each for their participation. 

CTC would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Adamson and Evan, faculty coordinator Catherine, and on-site volunteer coaches Hillary and Lucy. And most importantly, congratulations to the winners and to everyone who participated!

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20 Salama Players Forge their Way to Kenya National Youth Chess Championship

The Kiambu Regional Qualifiers for the 2024 Kenya National Youth Chess Championship (KNYCC) took place at Limuru Girls High School on March 23rd, when Salama players impressed the Kenyan chess community once again with 20 qualifiers to the national arena.

These 20 players earned their qualifications by scoring 2 points or above in the 6 rounds of the tournament. They proved themselves to be among the nation’s best youth players by working hard consistently over the chess board with CTC’s dedicated instructors WIM Ellen Wang and IM Evan Park. A massive congratulations to these qualifiers and an enormous thank you to the Salama faculty who supported and chaperoned the Salama team. Also, a very special thank you to Mrs. Mercy Kamoni, who meticulously prepared all the logistics for the team. 

Due to limited funding, 11 qualifiers with 2.5 points or above will have the chance to compete at KNYCC. Below is the list of the KNYCC participants:

1. Lehman Okoyo Kistia – Kianyaga High School (U18 Open, 4 points)

2. Brian Ayodi Chinda – Gachie High School (U16 Open, 4 points)

3. Vincely Kuria Mbitu – Salama Gachie Community School (U10 Open, 4 points)

4. Maxwell Lamayan Lekerumui – Salama Gachie Community School (U10 Open, 3.5 points)

5. Clement Onyango Aura – Kijara Secondary School (U18 Open, 3 points)

6. Christine Akai Akiru – Salama Gachie Community School (U16 Girls, 3 points)

7. Peter Lodiak James – Salama Gachie Community School (Under 10 Girls, 3 points)

8. Gloria Wakoli Mbolo – Kihara Secondary School (U18 Girls, 2.5 points)

9. Clinton Muhalia Karakacha – Kihara Secondary School (Under 18 Open, 2.5 points)

10. Trizah Auma Wesonga – Salama Gachie Community School (Under 14 Girls, 205 points)

11. Melkizededek Khatechi Luvuga – Upper Kihara Primary School (Under 14 Open, 2.5 points)

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