DANHIKO Project Trust has launched an appeal for financial support to enable its 15-year-old student, Tapiwa Mvududu, to represent Zimbabwe at the third International Chess Federation (Fide) Chess Olympiad for People with Disabilities in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
The prestigious tournament will be held from September 10 to 18 and will bring together players with disabilities from across the world in a celebration of inclusion, excellence and equal opportunity.
Mvududu, a Form Three student at Danhiko Secondary School, is part of the Zimbabwe team selected by the Zimbabwe Chess Federation (ZCF) for the international competition.
At just 15, Mvududu is required to travel with two adults to ensure that he receives the necessary technical, welfare and safeguarding support throughout the trip. Danhiko has identified coach Munyaradzi Arigundia and child support expert Alois Ganda to accompany the youngster, but the institution says it needs financial assistance to meet the costs associated with their participation.
According to a budget contained in a letter sent to potential sponsors and in the possession of The Sports Hub, Danhiko requires about US$11,300 to cover the trio's travel and related expenses, including flights, accommodation, regalia and allowances.
Danhiko director Witness Magulula said the organisation had committed itself to facilitating Mvududu's participation but was struggling to meet the additional costs required to ensure he was properly supported.
“On behalf of Danhiko Project Trust, we respectfully write to you Sir/Madam to come on board and partner with us in supporting Zimbabwe's participation at the 3rd Fide Chess Olympiad for People with Disabilities, to be held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, from 10-18 September 2026,” Magulula wrote.
“Zimbabwe has been honoured to participate in this prestigious international event, where talented chess players with disabilities from across the world will compete while promoting inclusion, excellence, determination, and equal opportunity.”
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Mvududu, who was born with Amelia, earned his place in the national team following his impressive performance at the 2025 Chess for Juniors Danhiko Paragames, where he finished first.
Danhiko believes his participation could have an impact well beyond the chessboard.
“Tapiwa's selection is a testament to his dedication, discipline, and exceptional talent in chess. His participation will not only represent Zimbabwe on the international stage but will also inspire many young people living with disabilities to pursue their dreams despite challenges,” Magulula said.
The institution says while the costs relating to the young player's participation have been catered for, additional funding is needed to send the two adults required to accompany him.
“Since Tapiwa is a minor living with a disability, it is important that he travels with responsible adults who will provide technical coaching, welfare support, supervision, and administrative assistance throughout the tournament,” the letter reads.
Arigundia, who will serve as coach, will be responsible for Mvududu's technical preparation, game analysis, strategy development and psychological support during the competition.
Ganda will serve as the administrator and child support escort, with responsibilities including child welfare and safeguarding, travel and accommodation coordination, tournament registration and documentation, communication with organisers and disability-related support.
Danhiko is now appealing to companies, organisations, individuals and well-wishers to contribute towards the trip, with the institution stressing that donations of any size could help make the journey possible.
“Contributions of any amount will be greatly appreciated and will directly assist in making Zimbabwe's participation possible.
“Your sponsorship will make a meaningful difference by ensuring that Zimbabwe's young athlete competes safely, confidently, and with the professional support required at the highest international level," he said.
Zimbabwe will be represented by a seven-member delegation at the Samarkand Olympiad, with Tapiwa Gora, Tichaona Machona, Mvududu, Presence Murove and Shantel Gweshe selected as players, while ZCF vice-presidents David Mutenure and Elvis Shora will serve as officials.
The national side will be hoping to improve on its performance at the 2025 edition in Astana, Kazakhstan, where Zimbabwe finished 31st among 34 teams. Prince Musokeri won the country's only medal at that tournament, taking bronze on Board Four.
With more than 30 nations expected to participate in Samarkand, Danhiko believes Mvududu's presence would provide the teenager with invaluable international experience while also offering an opportunity to inspire other young people living with disabilities.
