Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Dr Frank Anthony said he is committed to ensuring that students are given an opportunity to play chess and other sport in 2009 following the successful hosting of the National Schools Chess Championships last year.

At a press conference yesterday the minister said he is committed to seeing the sport being played in schools countrywide. Anthony said he was pleased to note that 47 students, including from a primary school had registered to play in the Championships. “In my recollection this is the first time in maybe more than two decades that such a competition is being held,” Anthony said. In the light of this, the minister said chess players can look forward to similar Championships being held in the coming years. Anthony said an aggressive plan to push chess in schools will reap even more success in 2009 and the ministry will drive these efforts by distributing chess sets to schools. Clubs interested in propelling these efforts are also advised to solicit the ministry for similar donations.

Meanwhile, Anthony lauded President of the Guyana Chess Federation (GCF) Errol Tiwari for reviving the sport locally. Tthe GCF’s National Chess Championships defending champion Kriskal Persaud played a remarkable final three rounds to retain his title while Taffin Khan captured the Junior Crown after loosing out last year. The GCF also hosted a number of successful tournaments throughout the year.

Additionally, Anthony said in collaboration with the education ministry and the National Sports Commission his ministry will revive a waning interest in sport in schools. He said a committee has already been established to facilitate this. Anthony said too the Caribbean Examination Council (CXC) has numerous sport disciplines in its syllabus and he is certain that an exposure to sport within the school system will see more rounded individuals in society.