Company Announcement - The Kasparov Chess Foundation Africa and the Hyenas Chess Club have joined forces with the Orion Group to host the 2015 Orion Group Open Chess Tournament. Braamfontein’s first chess tournament will see more than 180 top chess players across three categories vying for the opportunity to be Gauteng’s best in an internationally recognised event from the 25th to the 27th April 2015.

Graham Jurgensen, the Executive Director of Kasparov Chess Foundation Africa said that this tournament represents a significant step forward for the chess community in Johannesburg as it brings together an active club, as well as sponsors and organisers for the benefit of the entire chess community. The Hyenas Chess Club has been doing excellent work in the inner city area for a number of years and we are now delighted to enter into a new partnership with the Orion Group’s Hotel Devonshire to create this unique tournament. We know that the event will have a significant impact for many years to come and we look forward to watching some exciting chess across all the sections,” he said.

The event will cater for some of the very best players in Johannesburg while also addressing grass root development needs in a previously underserviced area.  The Hyenas Chess Club is the current team to beat in South Africa. Headed by Stephen Skosana, the club has almost 200 members who are among the country’s best players-many of who have competed internationally. Stephen said that he had never played a competitive game in the Johannesburg’s city and it was about time that a tournament of this calibre took place.  “We are currently the 2014 GP champions and yes we are the top form team in the country, we will be contesting the National Clubs Championship in August 2015. I would like to thank Kasparov Chess Foundation Africa and the Orion Group for their commitment to Chess in South Africa,” he said.

Kevin Le Roux from the General Manager for Hotel Devonshire said he was ecstatic to be a part of the tournament. “It is the first of its kind for the upliftment district of Johannesburg. The event will not only promote the sport of Chess, it will also create further awareness for Johannesburg’s city and upliftment precinct. I encourage all chess players to participate in the wonderful event,” he said.

For more information on entry fees and prerequisites please visit: www.orionhotels.co.za
Please contact Stephen Skosana for sponsorships and/or further information on 072 720 2067 or visit: www.hyenaschess.com