It is with grief and sadness that we write these words about our dear and much loved friend, Kees Hoogendijk. The Ghana Chess Association (GCA) first came in contact with Kees when he came to Ghana to project his passion to help less privileged kids in Ghana in the year 2006. While doing what he likes doing best for these less privileged, he never forgot the game of chess, a game he loved most. His drive to help the needy saw him opting to help the GCA in soliciting for sponsorships and financial assistance for Ghana's national chess team take part in the Dresden World Chess Olympiad in 2008 in Germany. The enthusiasm with which he went on to secure these assistances for the team left the GCA with no choice than to feature him on the Ghana team which he outrightly qualifies to be a member by way of performance. He once again helped and featured on the Ghanaian team for the 2010 World Chess Olympiad in Khanty Mansiysk, Russia. His sterling performance at Khanty Mansiysk earned him the title of Candidate Master.
The GCA will never forget Kees as he was always there whenever the GCA needed help. He organized chess clinics for the Ghanaian chess playing body and was an inspiration to a lot of chess players.
He will be dearly missed by the GCA.
May his soul rest in perfect peace.
GEORGE ARKO-DADZIE
PRESIDENT
GHANA CHESS ASSOCIATION
