The Pan African Scrabble Association President’s Cup and the African Youth Scrabble Championship begins on Thursday (today) morning at the Orchid Hotel, Ikota-Lekki and Chrisland School, also in Lekki, Lagos State.
Over 225 players from Africa and America are competing for honours at the twin events that will last for four days.
The PANASA President’s Cup is an elite one-category event open to scrabble players across the globe, while the AYSC is reserved for young players in Africa who are 19 years and under, with two categories to compete for, U-15 and U-19.
The Governor of Turkana County Province of Kenya, Jeremiah Napotikan, who is the special guest of honour, will declare both championships open, beginning with the President’s Cup.
The governor, on arrival in Nigeria, paid a courtesy visit to the Oniru of Iruland, Oba Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan Lawal. He also visited a frontline Pan African educationist, Dr. Mrs. Winifred Awosika, the founder of the famous and prestigious Chrisland Schools.
The prize money for the President’s Cup is $32,000 while $9,000 has been set aside as prize money for the African Youth Scrabble Championship.
The AYSC has prizes and gift items ranging from laptops to tablets and smart phones for the participants.
On Saturday, after two scheduled rounds of games, the visiting young players will visit landmark locations in the city of Aquatic Splendour like the National Museum, Lekki Conservation Park, Kalakuta Museum, Nike Arts Gallery and also spend time shopping.
The winner of the President’s Cup will receive $5,000 and the Gbenga Ojofeitimi trophy, while the SM Quartey trophy will be handed to the second prize winner plus a cash prize of $2,500. $1,700 and the Ojior Osikhena trophy goes to the third best player.
