Cape Town - Eldo Smart, the president of Chess South Africa, has passed away after suffering a heart attack on Thursday.
Smart had become president of Chess Western Province in 2010 before moving over to Chess SA as vice-president in 2013. He became the acting president of Chess SA in July 2014 and in January 2015 he was elected as president.
Before that, Smart led the University of the Western Cape and Western Province B chess teams in 1996 and 1997, while he also played for the Belhar Knights throughout his local chess career.
"It is with a profound sense of grief and sadness that Chess SA learnt of the untimely death of Mr. Smart," 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.
"He will be remembered as a gentle and humble soul."