The two-player board game chess is becoming a popular pastime in the disputed Abyei Area between Sudan and South Sudan are increasingly turning to
“Chess is rapidly becoming one of the most popular ways for people in Abyei to spend their spare time,” reports Abyei Today newsletter. “Chess clubs are attracting more members, and are appealing for help with funding and resources.”
Akol Dau, a player at Aniet market, says he likes the quiet atmosphere of a chess game, rather than the insults and quarrelling which some other games involved. He also said it was good to train the mind in tactical thinking.
According to Akol, his club attracts up to 15 players each day, including young people. He asked for other enthusiasts to come forward and get organized.
Abyei Today quotes the chairman of the Abyei Area’s youth and sports department, Wol Akanon Thibaar Chol, as saying that chess promotes a spirit of togetherness among young people.
In other news, the organization Save the Children Sweden has trained 40 employees from the Abyei Area Adminstration at a workshop in Agok. The workshop aimed at helping staff with planning, coordination and other good practices.
The Swedish organization has also donated a wide range of materials to the Abyei Area Administration, including computers, generators, furniture, chlorine and stationery.