The International Chess Federation has commended the organizers of the Children’s Day chess tournament tagged ‘Schools4Chess tournament’ for their efforts in sustaining the interest of pupils in the game through its annual tournament.
Speaking at the one-day event which was the second edition held at the Alliance Francaise, Iyaganku, Ibadan, FIDE Vice President, Lekan Adeyemi applauded the efforts of the organisers saying “if many people can do something like this, it will help propagate the game of Chess to the young ones and help them develop their thinking faculties.”
An elated Adeyemi further said, “This is an initiative that will improve the intellectual capacity of children, so we are encouraging parents to allow their children to participate more in the game of Chess”.
The competition was birthed to commemorate the annual Children’s Day celebration and this year’s edition attracted 119 participants who competed for honours in nine categories.
At the end of the tournament which adopted a Swiss format of five rounds and a time control of 10 minutes per player, Amaanah Integrated Curriculum Gifted Education came top in the primary school category with one gold, four silver and one bronze, Top Rank Intellectual Academy came second with one gold, and one bronze while, Satus Dignus Child Rescue Initiative came third with three silver.
In the secondary school category, Satus Dignus Child Rescue Initiative came first with one gold, one silver and one bronze, Amao Secondary school was second with one gold, one silver and one bronze, while Scholars Academy came third with one gold and one bronze.
Speaking after the presentation of medals and trophies to the winner, organiser of the tournament, Ademola Bamigbelu, expressed satisfaction with the level of turnout at this year’s tournament which included schools from neighboring Ogun State and he also thanked the sponsors for their unrelenting efforts in making this year tournament a huge success.
“I will say with a grateful heart that this year’s tournament is a success. I thank the sponsors including NASCO Group, Airtel, Wethebestsports, Mercy Solution UK, Sumal Foods, who help with cash and kind for the tournament.
“My intention on chess is to see as many children as possible get involved with the game as early as possible because this will not only make them grow with great thinking abilities but, it will put the nation on a positive path. We appreciate those who have supported us,” Bamigbelu said.
Twenty-four schools registered for this year’s tourney, including Anglican Comprehensive Academy, Ikija, Abeokuta, Royal Highgate Nursery and Primary School, Osaara, Abeokuta, and Lantem School, Abeokuta, all the way from Ogun State.
Packaged by Lanre Olabisi
