Cape Peninsula University of Technology

11/24/2023 | News release | Distributed by Public on 11/24/2023 00:59

Lecturer honoured with global chess award

Lecturer Anzel Laubscher was recently honoured with the prestigious Goodwill Ambassador of Chess in Education Award from the Judit Polgar Chess Foundation.

Laubscher, a Law Lecturer in the Department of Applied Legal Studies and Department of Hotel Management, received the award during the Polgar Global Chess Festival, held in Budapest, Hungary.

Polgar is considered the best female player in chess history.

Laubscher said Polgar has been her chess idol since she was little girl.

"The Polgar Global Chess Festival is very exclusive and to obtain an invite to this event is really an honour. You can just imagine my excitement when I received the invitation to be a keynote speaker at this event! In fact, I was invited as a keynote speaker, as well as a round table discussion on Safeguarding in chess too.

"Little did I know that this is not where the blessings end. Upon arrival at the Festival, I also received the notification that I am awarded the Goodwill Ambassador in Chess in Education for 2023 award! I received a number of big awards in my life before, but this definitely made it to the top of my awards cabinet. "

She received the award based on her work in chess education worldwide, especially training educators in Africa and being the co-author of the course material for the International Chess Federation.

"I appreciate the acknowledgement of the work I do by the Polgar Foundation. I feel humbled and honoured by this award."

Laubscher's achievements have included being part of the first South African national team to participate at the World Olympiad, which was held in Russia in 1998. She obtained title of Woman International Master in 2003.

Laubscher serves on the Education Commission for the International Chess Federation as an Advisory Board member and as part of the development team.

In 2021 she took the initiative to drive the Chess in Education programme in Africa.