South African Draughts

[tommyc]

Its an insult to ask the world ranked No1 player to go for trials........i wouldnt if it was me !! Would you? Whats the point of having the MSSA if they cant get the sponsorship for to send players to Tys.Seems a pretty useless folly.

Which begs the question what they use their money for and what groups DO they sponsor? Now its looks like they have TRIALS to have more TRIALS its beggers belief........excuse after excuse i wouldnt blame Kondlo for wanting nothing to do with this lot.

iTS NO WONDER DRAUGHTS IS GOING NOW-WHERE WITH ORGANISATIONS LIKE THIS. Reality is stranger than fiction ,you couldnt make this up? As for the limp handed so called draughts promoters on here ....THE SILENCE IS DEAFENING!!

[Danny_Alvarez]

Dear Danny

Sorry I was way with our KwaZul Natal Provincial Championships. Please note that I rarely review this forum. However responses to your questions are:

1. The trials will be held if the MSSA has found the necessary monies to send a team. If the MSSA has not found such monies, the MSSA shall advise all of our checkers players apropos the alternative arrangement.

2. Please note that all players who have finished in the top twenty percent of the MSSA's provincial championships are entitled to participate in such trials. And yes, Mr. Lubabalo Kondlo has qualified for such trials in that he won our Mpumalanga Provincial Championships in June.

No problems at all there Mr Webster, we do understand you are busy. My issue with Hugh replying on your behalf was that i was willing to wait for your reply directly.

If i may impose a few further questions it would be appreciated.

Considering the MSSA currently plans no trial because of lack of funding at present ( i wholeheartedly hope that changes, and i wish you the best in your efforts to change that global trend) why cannot Mr Kondlo attend considering someone is willing to sponsor him as the #1 ranked player???

Isn't it better for South Africa to have one representative rather than nobody???

do you honestly think that it is the best option for the sport, for MSSA and for the whole country to continue the course of action MSSA currently has????


the thing that holds this tiny forum going is that we all have a burning passion for checkers.... our criticism arises not out of a need to vilify you Mr Webster or anybody else, but it is hard to take when one sees decisions without much logic behind them. I would love nothing else than for more south african players to find sponsors. and besides allowing Mr Kondlo to attend may open the door to his current benefactor donating money to MSSA next time and see if anybody else can beat Kondlo and qualify.
All i see by letting him play is WIN-WIN for your organisation and for checkers in your country. I do sincerely hope we all learn lessons from the past and that we work around this small problem we currently face so that everyone walks away a winner.

cheers and thanks for your time,

Danny Alvarez

[Colin Webster]

Considering the MSSA currently plans no trial because of lack of funding at present ( i wholeheartedly hope that changes, and i wish you the best in your efforts to change that global trend) why cannot Mr Kondlo attend considering someone is willing to sponsor him as the #1 ranked player???

Isn't it better for South Africa to have one representative rather than nobody???

do you honestly think that it is the best option for the sport, for MSSA and for the whole country to continue the course of action MSSA currently has????

1. Note that the MSSA has not ever stated that it has not planned to hold trials. On the contrary, the MSSA has planned to hold trials, but can only do so if there is funding to send a team overseas. The biggest problem is that if you look at the 'demand' that the USA has found sponsorship for a player and that we must send such player for whom the sponsorship has been found - doesn't it look like the USA trying to dictate to SA? Remember that there are other players in South Africa, none of our players are unbeaten in our championships.

Why not simply donate the money to the MSSA for the express use of sending a player to the WQT? If the sponsors were operating in good faith, that is exactly what would have been done! It is easy to sign such a contract...

If that had been done, Trials would be assured, and the WQT would get the best SA player...

2. Unlike most other countries, Checkers is regarded as much as a sport as what Swimming, Athletics, rugby, etc. are considered to be sports. As such the MSSA has to comply with the relevant legislation and regulations. As a result all players (in any sport) have to perform to certain standards at home in terms of both participation and development. As a result many sports persons in many sports have not been given the privilege of attending international events for non-compliance. The MSSA gives every player every opportunity to meet their obligations, but if players do not meet such obligations, they cannot be selected.

3. Yes, the MSSA is following the best possible route for the long-term development of Checkers in South Africa. Remember development is not a sprint, it s a marathon! Even though the vast majority of Checkers players come from the most financially disadvanted sector of the population and make very little financial contribution to the MSSA, the MSSA still provides Provincial and National championships for the game, even though their is not one event that does not run at a net loss. Not only that, the MSSA has also provided over 800 Checkers sets free and gratisto schools and other organisations to popularise the game of Checkers. Currently we have 17 schools with Checkers clubs and 14 Checkers players at universities throughout South Africa through bursaries for having played Checkers. How many other members of the WCDF have 185 scholars as members?

While it is nice to have a player at the WQT, it is only the cherry on the top! Without the proper foundations, the game will whither and die.

[George Hay]

Colin, thank you for posting on the ACF forum. I am an ACF member and in no way want to interfere with another organization in another country. The ACF is a member of the WCDF, so I do have an interest in the Best playing the Best. I am impressed with what you are doing at the grass roots. Philosophically, I disagree with your "cherry on the top" comment. I think it is important that we take care of our champions, that is a principle I learned on this forum and take to heart. This is a win-win as a champion inspires kids and gives them a reason to dream. --George Hay

[Danny_Alvarez]

Isn't it better for South Africa to have one representative rather than nobody???

1. Note that the MSSA has not ever stated that it has not planned to hold trials. On the contrary, the MSSA has planned to hold trials, but can only do so if there is funding to send a team overseas. The biggest problem is that if you look at the 'demand' that the USA has found sponsorship for a player and that we must send such player for whom the sponsorship has been found - doesn't it look like the USA trying to dictate to SA? Remember that there are other players in South Africa, none of our players are unbeaten in our championships.

Why not simply donate the money to the MSSA for the express use of sending a player to the WQT? If the sponsors were operating in good faith, that is exactly what would have been done! It is easy to sign such a contract...

If that had been done, Trials would be assured, and the WQT would get the best SA player...

2. Unlike most other countries, Checkers is regarded as much as a sport as what Swimming, Athletics, rugby, etc. are considered to be sports. As such the MSSA has to comply with the relevant legislation and regulations. As a result all players (in any sport) have to perform to certain standards at home in terms of both participation and development. As a result many sports persons in many sports have not been given the privilege of attending international events for non-compliance. The MSSA gives every player every opportunity to meet their obligations, but if players do not meet such obligations, they cannot be selected.

3. Yes, the MSSA is following the best possible route for the long-term development of Checkers in South Africa. Remember development is not a sprint, it s a marathon! Even though the vast majority of Checkers players come from the most financially disadvanted sector of the population and make very little financial contribution to the MSSA, the MSSA still provides Provincial and National championships for the game, even though their is not one event that does not run at a net loss. Not only that, the MSSA has also provided over 800 Checkers sets free and gratisto schools and other organisations to popularise the game of Checkers. Currently we have 17 schools with Checkers clubs and 14 Checkers players at universities throughout South Africa through bursaries for having played Checkers. How many other members of the WCDF have 185 scholars as members?

While it is nice to have a player at the WQT, it is only the cherry on the top! Without the proper foundations, the game will whither and die.

Mr Webster... i see now that there is no point in discussing this any further as you have made this an issue of ACF (USA) vs You (MSSA) .... a battle of egos if you will....
I am not a member of the ACF or MSSA .... and i think what i tried to say is this...(not sure my message is getting through at all)
some people in the ACF have already met Mr Kondlo and they have a soft spot for him because of hsi economic situation .... given time these same people these same sponsors could very well change their approach and make it more impartial (as you wish) and donate directly to the MSSA to find the best player. in order for that to happen they need to see good faith from your organisation. my question is a yes or no question.... and you failed to either think it through or answer it.

ISN'T IT BETTER FOIR SOUTH AFRICA TO HAVE ONE REPRESENTATIVE RATHER THAN NOBODY???

i wish u all the best Mr Webster and to South African checkers too.... on this issue i see that im talking to a wall.

cheers
Danny

[George Hay]

I am an ACF member but I can only speak for myself, not the ACF. I just want to make that clear. Jay H. recently posted this on the forum:

I subscribe to the great William Ryan creedo.....
"Starve the Champions, and you will starve the game...."

Thanx to Jay H. for the historical perspective. --George Hay

[tommyc]

Hi George..............im a lil off subject but here are a few old tricks ,yu may have seen some of em before:: for more check out "checker sharing and northwest newsletter"

**ALWAYS LOOK OUT FOR THE QUICK WIN WIN **
NO1**
.1. 11-16 23-18 . 16-20 24-19 8-11 ??{This is the losing move. 10-14 leads to a draw.19-15* 10x19 18-14 9x18 22x8 4x11 {By playing the 2x2 first, white removes the defensive red piece on 4.} 27-24 . 20x27 31x8 White wins.
WIN NO2……..Greedy Guts
1. 10-15 23-19 6-10 22-17 11-16 ??{11-16 is too greedy and loses. Instead, 1-6 first prevents the shot and leads to a safe game.} 17-13 16x23 13x6 {White must make this jump first, to remove the piece on 2.} 2x9 27x2 White Wins.
WIN NO 3………..The Goosewalk
1. 11-15 22-18 15x22 25x18 8-11 29-25 4-8 25-22 12-16 24-20 10-15 27-24
{This move loses and is known as the “Goosewalk.” 28-24 leads to similar losing play. Instead, move 21-17.} 15-19 24x15 16-19 23x16 {Note that both initial sacrifices are necessary to gain the winning position.} 9-14 18x9 11x25
WIN NO 4………The Big-shot.
1. 11-15 23-19 8-11 22-17 4-8 17-13 15-18 24-20 11-15 28-24 8-11 26-23 9-14 31-26 6-9 13x6 2x9 26-22 9-13 ??{This move loses, forming an ancient trap known as "The Big Shot in the Old 14th." } 22-17 13x22 20-16 11x20 21-17 14x21 23x14 10x17 25x2 17-22 19-15 White Wins
{White wins like in the Goosewalk the winning strategy is to prevent the other side (red) from kinging while advancing your own pieces.}
WIN NO 4……………..It s a cracker.
1.9-13 23-19 6-9 27-23 9-14 22-18 11-15 18x11 8x15 23-18 14x23 ?{This jump is incorrect; 15-22 is the right way.} 19-16 12x19 21-17 13x22 25x11 7x16 24x6 1x10 26x12 White wins.
WIN NO 5……….Beginners misfortune.
11-15 23-18 8-11 27-23 4-8 23-19 4. 9-13 {This is a common beginner's move, but it loses. } 26-23 6-9 30-26 9-14 18x9 5x14 32-27 1-5 19-16 12x19 23x16 . 11x20 22-17 13x22 25x4 {White wins.}**Do you have a story to tell, contact** ………. cancar25@hotmail.com
"Attack only with the strong side, defend only with the weak side!" Chamberlee.

[George Hay]

Tommy, thanks, this is great stuff! I am trying not to fall for the same traps again and again, the duffer's angst!
That's the definition of insanity ain't it? Doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result!
....It will be real interesting to see who shows up in San Remo for the Open and the QT. The QT has the potential to be the most competitive ever! --George Hay

[Alex_Moiseyev]

The QT has the potential to be the most competitive ever!

yup. Betting for the best - Richard and Jim! Aren't America a leading country in intellectual and brain business ?

The very last news I heard from Alan - Lubabalo is doing visa now.

[Alan Millhone]

Hello Mr. Alex:

Lubabalo Kondlo now has his flight booked to qualifier and has submitted everything to Italian Embassy for his Visa to San Remo. Dr. Beckwith and myself have been helping Lubabalo along the way. He has an American sponsor who is footing the majority of the bill for his trip .

Sincerely:

F. Alan Millhone, President
American Checker Federation

[Danny_Alvarez]

Lubabalo Kondlo now has his flight booked to qualifier and has submitted everything to Italian Embassy for his Visa to San Remo. Dr. Beckwith and myself have been helping Lubabalo along the way. He has an American sponsor who is footing the majority of the bill for his trip .

that is fantastic news Alan
thanks for sharing with us.... i am very glad Mr Kondlo will be able to participate and at this stage i honestly don't care how he got there .... later on it would be nice to know the mechanism and how the red tape got untangled.

cheers and best of luck to Mr Kondlo in San Remo, i hope he makes South Africans proud
Danny Alvarez

[tommyc]

This is great news that my good friend Kondlo is going to be in Italy, i wish him all the best in the Ty and hope he enjoys his freedom for a week or so.There arent enough good men like Alan in checkers who is willing to stand up when the grass gets longer.Fair dues to Alan and his merry men we need a few more honest people.

[Danny_Alvarez]

This is great news that my good friend Kondlo is going to be in Italy, i wish him all the best in the Ty and hope he enjoys his freedom for a week or so.There arent enough good men like Alan in checkers who is willing to stand up when the grass gets longer.Fair dues to Alan and his merry men we need a few more honest people.

I agree wholeheartedly Tommy....
Alan kudos to you and the sponsors for making this happen, we do know it was not an easy task.
I know Kondlo will make it worthwhile.

cheers
Danny

[JR Smith]

26 September 2011- email to Alan Millhone

http://www.nccheckers.org/NCCA/SA%20Dra ... 6-2011.htm

[JR Smith]

Here is an emil to Alan Millhone from Mfuzo Dyira, Grahamstown

http://www.nccheckers.org/NCCA/SA%20Dra ... 6-2011.htm