DURBAN - A 9-YEAR-OLD Grade 4 pupil from Phoenix shone brightly at the African Schools Individual Chess Championship in Nairobi, Kenya.
Kaylee Budhram who bagged a silver medal at the nine-day event enjoyed scientific experiences and mind-challenging games.
The contest was open to different age groups from across Africa to compete for positions and in the title of chess master. About 250 competitors from different countries participated.
Kaylee, a pupil at Hopeville Primary School, dominated the under-8 girl’s category and after nine rounds secured her spot in the top three.
Earlier this year she scooped top prize in the biomedical and medical category at the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists’ KZN awards.
“She was so excited. Everything from bookings to packing was rushed. It didn’t matter. My baby was chasing her dreams. I am so proud of her. I know she is capable of anything and this is just the beginning of many wins,” said Kaylee’s mom, Shannon Budhram, 42, an occupation compliance officer.
She said her daughter has always been fascinated by her sister’s science experiments.
Budhram said although Kaylee had hoped for a gold, she was not discouraged.
“Kaylee goes to a public school where such games or sports are not catered for. We had to raise funds for her to go.”
She said she was grateful for the support her dad and her elder sister gave her.
Daily News