Chess South Africa and the South African Chess Community extend their heartfelt and deepest condolences to the Smart family on the Passing of Chess SA President Eldo Smart.
“It is with a profound sense of grief and sadness that Chess SA learnt of the untimely death of Mr Smart, who suffered a heart attack on Thursday afternoon,” said Chess SA Vice-President, Winston Dalpat. “We salute his leadership and selfless service to our local and national chess community, without fear or favour.”
In 2010 Mr Smart became President of Chess WP and led the discussions around unity in WP chess. Mr Smart also served as the President of Western Cape Chess from January 2011 to August 2012. He successfully integrated all chess clubs and communities and was later elected to the position of Vice-President of Chess SA in 2013.
In July 2014, he became the Acting President of Chess SA and in January 2015 he was elected as President. In January 2016 Mr Smart was re-elected as President of Chess SA.
Mr Smart’s chess career started at an early age. He went on to achieve University colours and represented Western Province Universities and the University of the Western Cape at various events across the country. He was a leader from university days and led the UWC and WP teams between the years 1996 and 1997.
He played for the Belhar Knights Chess Club in Cape Town throughout his local chess career. He was a stalwart at the club and held various positions. He enjoyed his chess and was au fait with the Marshall attack and the Grunfeld, as his favourite weapons.
“He will be remembered as a gentle and humble soul. In 2001, he beat a strong Gauteng player with the Marshall and, when his opponent stated that Eldo should be in the WP team, Eldo dead-panned and simply stated that he was not good enough!” said Dalpat.
Mr Smart obtained his WP Colours when he represented the Western Province B team at various interprovincial tournaments. He was a fierce competitor and also went on to Captain the WP B team.
Hamba Kahle our friend Eldo Smart, President of Chess South Africa
Gens Una Sumus
We are all one family.