Phiona Mutesi, 14 year old Ugandan makes waves on the international chess scene

Posted on January 16, 2011 under Editor's Choice , ,

Phiona Mutesi is a 14 year old Ugandan whose prowess in chess has seen her represent her country in Russia and seen her win the Ugandan Junior Chess Championship three times at such a tender age.

There seems to be very few challenges that Phiona hasn’t surpassed. Born in poverty she lost her Dad to Aids and her mum is HIV positive. Chess has not only been a welcome distraction for Phiona but she has drawn immmense inspiration from it. In a detailed report on Phiona’s prowess she was quoted by ESPN as stating “If you make smart moves you can stay away from danger, but you know any bad decision could be your last.”.

For a player without formal state sponsored training and coaching and without access to the internet to practice with “grandmasters” world wide Phiona’s achievements and story are indeed inspirational.

As Maya Angelou once said – “A bird doesn’t sing because it has an answer, it sings because it has a song.” Phiona definitely has a song and we all hope she keeps singinging that song untill she brings the roof down!

Photo: ESPN