The board game of chess is unique and mind captivating.
In one of the popular opening moves for the white; the pawn moves from e2 to e4 to establish a claim in the center of the board.
This move also frees the queen and the king’s bishop for action.
Incidentally, this is the best move for 12-year-old Lauryn Mary Katongole.
Katongole started to play this game early this year (2024) while at Kids Pioneer Junior School and lives to testify its endless benefits.
“Chess is an interesting game that helps you think hard. It also helped me a great deal in the mathematics subject” the P7 vacationist asserts.
It is not a silver platter for Katongole as she has engaged in numerous training sessions to keep abreast of the latest trends.
“I have managed to achieve the little I have so far achieved due to continuous trainings. During school times I normally train after classes and over the weekends but since we are in holidays I do trainings with my siblings at home.” She speaks aloud.
Katongole is the last-born child in the family of four, born to Engineer Shemie Kizza Katongole and Alice Tusabe Nassolo.
Her parents have also been very supportive in her journey; education-wise and in this promising chess career.
Inspiration:
Nick-named “Gwintol”, Katongole draws her inspiration for the game from her close friends; Calvin Peter Kayiwa, Cedric Mutebi, Helen Naija and Tisha Kaddu.
In a special way, she sings special praise for her coach Vicent Mugisa who keep motivating her to train; henceforth becoming the better player she is today.
Katongole boldly advises young girls to engage in this game since it is simple and does not necessarily require a lot of energy like most physical sports.
“Being a girl I believe I stand being a star. I advise many young girls to join. Chess does not require lot of energy to play” she adds.
Through her club, Pioneer Knights, Katongole has already tasted a podium finish with a medal during the debut tournament and yearns for more in the cabinet.
She aspires to become the best in the game with a constant training regime.
In the pipeline are a number of domestic and international tournaments with the forthcoming 2025 national junior championship (16th to 19th January) one big event to mark a bold mark in her age category.
This FIDE rated championship is organized by the Uganda Chess Federation and will be hosted at the cradle home of chess; Nob View Hotel Ntinda.
Katongole’s steadfast journey to become Uganda’s Grand Master has already commenced in high gear.
Perhaps, Katongole is a keen female enrolled with Wats Soccer Academy of Uganda Cranes first choice goalkeeper Isima Bin Rashid Watenga.
Tit-bits about Katongole:
- Full Names: Lauryn Mary Katongole
- Nick-name: Gwintol
- Date of birth: 28th August 2012
- Residence: Kitende, Entebbe Road
- Parents: Shemie Kizza Katongole (Father) & Alice Tusabe Nassolo
- Education: Kids Pioneer Junior School (Currently in P7 vacation)
- Favourite game: Chess
- Current club: Pioneer Knights
- Favourite move: e4
- Inspired by: Calvin Peter Kayiwa, Cedric Mutebi, Helen Naija and Tisha Kaddu (her friends); Vicent Mugisa (coach)
- Other sports: Football (enrolled at Wats Soccer Academy)
- Dream: To become the best chess female player in Uganda, East Africa, Africa and the world
The post KNOW YOUR STARS: Chess promising junior Mary Katongole yearns for a successful career appeared first on Kawowo Sports.
