Chess with Errol

More youths are involved

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The distinctive National Schools Chess Cham-pionship that was held last weekend for the second year in succession sent an unambiguous message to the organisers and sponsors of the tournament. That is, more of our youths are becoming involved with the game, and the standard of play has been gradually improving.

20091220errolThe quality of the games at the championship was higher this year. Participants made fewer mistakes. For example, they refrained from bringing out their queens early, a common error among beginners. Some of the stronger players completed their games in the ending having played the middle game to their contentment. On the other hand, while participants numbered just about 50 in 2008, they topped the 100 mark this year.

Elizabeth Ramgolam, lone representative of the Black Bush Secondary School at the National Schools Chess Championship that was held at the Carifesta Sports Complex last weekend. In photo, Elizabeth proudly displays her Certificate of Participation at the conclusion of the championship. A total of seven schools from Berbice dispatched players to Georgetown for the championship. Elizabeth is the only student in her school who can play the game.
Elizabeth Ramgolam, lone representative of the Black Bush Secondary School at the National Schools Chess Championship that was held at the Carifesta Sports Complex last weekend. In photo, Elizabeth proudly displays her Certificate of Participation at the conclusion of the championship. A total of seven schools from Berbice dispatched players to Georgetown for the championship. Elizabeth is the only student in her school who can play the game.

The death of Dr Desrey Fox, Minister in the Ministry of Education, formed a cloud over the championship, and a one minute silence led by Dr Frank Anthony, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, was observed on her behalf before the commencement of the tournament. Minister Fox supported chess at the school level, as well as the Guyana Chess Federation in its effort to promote and develop the game. The federation wishes to take this opportunity to extend sincere condolences to the family of Dr Fox during this period of their bereavement.

What was satisfying was the participation of schools outside of the Region 4 area. Bartica sent a team of four, Rosignol Secondary dispatched a similar team, and students came from the East Bank of Essequibo for the tournament, eagar and ready to play chess. It was a wonderful experience for all those who were involved. The tournament was sponsored solely by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport.

St Stanislaus College, winner of the National Schools Chess Championship faces McKenzie High during the tournament. In foreground at right is Ron Motilall from Saints, and his opponent is Ashanti Richmond of McKenzie. Both schools demonstrated a fair standard of play, but Saints emerged the victor in the clash. At the table, the two schools alternate seating with McKenzie in the second spot at right.
St Stanislaus College, winner of the National Schools Chess Championship faces McKenzie High during the tournament. In foreground at right is Ron Motilall from Saints, and his opponent is Ashanti Richmond of McKenzie. Both schools demonstrated a fair standard of play, but Saints emerged the victor in the clash. At the table, the two schools alternate seating with McKenzie in the second spot at right.

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