More than 5,000 participants and supporters in event in South Africa

December calendar just the right move for Bay venues
15 December 2011
Brian Hayward

BURLY rugby players and cerebral chess pupils have something in common when it comes to Nelson Mandela Bay – both have given a much-needed economic boost to the city.

Recession-hit tourism establishments are heaving a sigh of relief as the SA Junior Chess Championships, which kicked off in the Bay on Monday, have brought more than 5000 participants and supporters to town.

Among them is world-renowned chess Grandmaster Susan Polgar, who launched the first Woman’s Chess Seminar for Africa yesterday. It ends this afternoon.

Eastern Province Chess development officer Winston Dalpat said the annual event, hosted this year by the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, had drawn more than double the number of players, coaches, managers and spectators this time than when it was last held in the city in 2005.

“Few people realise chess has become so popular,” Dalpat said. Of the more than 5000 people attending daily, 1900 were participants.

The championships, which end on Wednesday, follow the city’s successful inaugural hosting of the South African leg of the IRB Sevens tournament earlier this month.

Port Elizabeth Metro Bed and Breakfast Association (Pembba) chairwoman Shena Wilmot said the events were lifelines for the industry, which had struggled this year.

Pembba has about 100 members in the Bay. “They have brought a lot of people in. The Sevens, chess and the [SA Junior] tennis champs bring people into town and they spend money, and that’s what we want.”

Wilmot said Pembba members in Humewood and Summerstrand were full this week, although there was still “room at the inn” elsewhere in the city.

The tennis championships, which start on Saturday and end on Thursday, will bring 800 competitors, as well as their families, to the Bay. “Everybody has felt the pinch this year, but this December is looking better than last year so far,” Wilmot said.

Source: http://www.peherald.com