Faith Filled Family Magazine October 2016 | Page 93

How bright is the future for an
internationally-known chess
For those of us who are not player like Phiona? What do
skilled at the game, what are you hope for her and others
the most significant strategies like her in the years to come?
in chess? How does its tech- I hope the best for her and othnique equate to survival in ers like her. And of course they
have a better platform for conreal life situations?
That is not the gist of my teach- nection and influence. However,
ing. Chess itself is life. And ev- being in a spotlight is not easy
eryone plays that life chess -- always. They have to make wise
where you work towards goals, and right decisions on top of
you strategize, plan abstractive- leading themselves well.
ly, solve problems, and develop How has the morale of the
constructive and executable people of Katwe changed
ideas. All these and more are since this film? Or has it?
in chess and also in life! Chess [It has] greatly restored people’s
simply helps to develop these hope to achieve.
skills in a play[ful] and enjoyable
I would like to extend a spefashion.
cial thank you to Sheryl Tirol
What was it about Phiona and of Grace Hill Media for facilitather chess-playing technique ing this interview. I also wish to
that made you sense some- express sincere thanks to Mr.
thing was special about her Robert Katende for his time and
beyond just learning how to for sharing his thoughts with us
about this film Queen of Katplay the game?
Determination to survive was we. We are grateful to him and
key. It was very [rare] to find a girl to others like him for taking the
in that Katwe community who is time to teach and mentor young
bold and willing to take on boys! people who are in such desperate need. Many of these young
In a back story video, it was people do not have the support
said that Phiona had learned of their families and are in need
the game of chess quite well of love, guidance, and most of
within a year. So well in fact,
that she eventually beat you
at the game you taught her!
Please tell us what that moment was like -- both for you
and for her.
It surprised me and I realized
that her natural instinct was
quite high. And she could figure
out things you couldn’t think of
her doing at such an early stage
of learning. At first, she thought
I had just let her win. But when
she challenged later a second
time, it increased her confidence
at the game.
living as an example.

all, hope for their future.
They need to know they can
be somebody. In fact, they are
somebody. Mr. Katende has
shown that to the youth in the
slums of Katwe. And he continues to show his dedicated
support to them by continuing
to mentor. This film shows the
great developments such strong
support and godly influence can
bring. We see it in youth like
Phiona Mutesi who has proven
to have benefited greatly by his
mentorship.
Disney’s Queen of Katwe will be
in limited release in Los Angeles, and New York theatres on
Friday, September 23rd, and in
wider release in theatres across
the country on Friday, September 30th. For more information
on this great film, visit: http://
www.queenofkatwe.com.
You
can also learn how you can be
of help to further the mission of
Sports Outreach and their efforts
to help youth like Phiona have a
brighter future. As Mr. Katende
stated, if even one or two lives
are impacted, it would make a
difference.