White Nile Chess Academy – Sudan

Mohamed Abdalslam Alhbeb:

My journey with chess began ten years ago when the game was merely a casual hobby. At the time, I had little understanding of its significance. One day, I came across an advertisement for a local chess tournament in my city, held at a youth training center. I decided to participate, marking my first experience in an organized chess event. My first chess tournament at the youth center was unforgettable, as it introduced me to Coach Khalid Ahmed Mustafa, who played a pivotal role in my chess journey. This tournament opened my eyes to the beauty, elegance, and intellectual depth of chess, sparking a lifelong passion for the game. There were also funny moments with elderly players who follow unofficial rules, such as believing Black can move two pawns at the start or calling the King the “Queen” and vice versa, which have led to amusing yet heartwarming interactions. 

Chess was not widely known or practiced in my town or even across Sudan. Recognizing the lack of attention given to children in our country, I felt a strong desire to introduce chess as an alternative to traditional sports. Driven by a sense of social responsibility, we established the White Nile Chess Academy to provide children with opportunities for sports, academic growth, social interaction, and cultural enrichment. Our mission is to leave a positive impact on children’s lives and help them reach their full potential. 

The academy operates in a challenging environment, with the following key obstacles: 

• Lack of Government Support: There is no financial or technical backing from the government for chess activities.
• Impact of War: The ongoing conflict in Sudan has exacerbated the situation, leading to a lack of security, electricity, water, and communication networks. 
• Economic Hardship: The deteriorating economic conditions and imposed curfews have made it difficult to sustain and expand our activities. 

What Keeps Us Going:

Despite these challenges, the academy remains committed to its mission. When war broke out in Sudan, many families were displaced to our city in search of safety. Schools ceased operations, leaving children without access to education, sports, or proper care. The psychological toll of the war on children, who lost their homes, families, and friends, was immense. 

In response, the academy expanded its activities to include shelter centers, offering free chess training and organizing tournaments for displaced children. Through chess, we aim to alleviate the psychological effects of war and provide a sense of normalcy and hope to these children. 

The academy has achieved remarkable success in promoting chess and supporting children: 

• Training and Education: We have taught chess to a large number of children, alongside educational and cultural activities, helping to reduce the impact of displacement on their lives. 
• Integration: By organizing competitions, we have integrated displaced children with local children, fostering a sense of community and belonging. 
• Tournaments: The academy has organized: 
  • 72 junior tournaments (for boys and girls)
  • 40 team tournaments for juniors
  • 45 open tournaments 
  • 27 rapid chess tournaments 
  • 14 blitz chess tournaments 

All these events were self-funded by academy members, without any government support. 

The academy has ambitious plans for the future: 

• Participation in Tournaments: We aim to participate in local and international tournaments recognized by chess federations, giving our trainees opportunities to showcase their skills and gain experience. 
• Quality Training: We plan to improve the quality of training by qualifying coaches and referees. 
• Expansion: We hope to expand our activities to more regions in Sudan, particularly those most in need. 

Chess culture in Sudan is almost non-existent, and we face challenges in convincing parents of its importance. Our coaching philosophy focuses on: 

• Promoting Chess Culture: Raising awareness about the mental, academic, and athletic benefits of chess. 
• Engaging Children: Making training a mix of fun, knowledge, and competitiveness to keep children motivated. 
• Encouraging Girls: Providing opportunities for girls to participate, as they often lack access to other sports. 

The most valuable lesson I’ve learned is that small actions can create a significant impact. Chess has proven to be a powerful tool in improving the lives of children affected by war, offering them psychological support and a sense of purpose. 

Mohamed Abdalslam Alhbeb I White Nile Chess Academy coach (Sudan)

White Nile Chess Academy on Facebook