Minerva injects US$10,000 into 2026 Zim Minerva Chess Open

Minerva Risk Advisors has injected US$10,000 into the 2026 Zim Minerva Chess Open, reaffirming its commitment to the development of chess in Zimbabwe. The sponsorship will support the sixth edition of the tournament, with the company saying its partnership with the Zimbabwe Chess Federation will continue into the future. Speaking at the sponsorship announcement, Minerva director of Healthcare and Group Marketing Nicholas Chekera said the company had supported the federation for almost five years and remained committed to growing the partnership. "Our support towards the Chess Federation has been going on for the greater part of half the decade," Chekera said. He said Minerva valued the partnership because of its contribution to the development of chess, particularly among young players. "We like this partnership. We like what it does for our brand. We like what it does for the upbringing of chess, even in the younger players in the country," he said. Chekera said chess aligned with Minerva's corporate values because the game requires strategic thinking and decision-making. "I think chess is more than just a game in my view. It requires you to think. It requires you to be strategic. It requires you to use your brain," he said. He said these attributes resonated with Minerva's work, where the company is required to think and act strategically on behalf of its clients. Chekera reaffirmed the company's support for this year's tournament and pledged continued investment in the sport. "As we progress, we promise also that our sponsorship, as you have seen over the years, will continue to become bigger and better," he said. He said the company hoped its increased support would help take chess to more people across the country while raising Zimbabwe's profile internationally through the sport. The 2026 Zim Minerva Chess Open will run from August 19 to 23 is in its sixth edition.