Chess prodigy Charlton Mnyasta has proven himself to be a fierce opponent, so much so that he has been selected to compete in multiple international competitions! Thanks to community kindness, Charlton will be on his way to one of them today:
Elsies River, South Africa (31 May 2024) — 18-year-old Charlton Mnyasta, a Capetonian chess prodigy has already proved himself as a fierce opponent.
Despite a background in Elsies River where opportunities are often far and few between across disciplines, Charlton found his way into the world of chess years ago, and became determined to master his skills no matter what challenges on the board or outside of it, came his way.
His hard work has certainly paid off, considering that he won the 2024 u20 Junior Title at the South African Closed Chess Championships, one of many wins for Charlton. And now, he’s got the chance to show the world what he can do.
Charlton has been chosen to represent South Africa in multiple international competitions, including the World Junior Chess Championships from 1 June to 14 June, the Africa Junior Chess Championships in Egypt (17 to 25 November) and the opportunity to join the South Africa Men’s Chess Team for the Chess Olympiad in Hungary (September), per Daily Voice.
It’s an unparalleled opportunity for the chess prodigy, but one that isn’t as simple as being good at your game.
The costs involved in competing internationally are no secret, and for his family, they are costs that simply cannot be covered.
Hoping to give Charlton the opportunities he deserves, Llewelyn Louw, the acting president of the Cape Town Chess Federation took to start a crowdfunding campaign for the star player.
In a recent update, Llewelyn shared that Charlton is leaving to India today, thanks to the incredible support of all those who lent their support! However, as a result of a few additional expenses, his crowdfunding target has increased, with Llewelyn adding:
“We are making a final appeal to the chess community to please contribute towards his journey, as we would like to make his first international event a memorable one. Charlton wants to thank each and every contributor to date; he really appreciates it. Thank you to those who have already contributed tremendously up to this point. Let’s get our boy to India!”
You can support Charlton’s campaign, here.
Sources: Various (Linked Above)
Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google.
Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:
Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.
by 