Chess Federation holds 2023 ‘tourney’ for SEN teachers

-David Rose Special School dominates first meet

Teachers of schools providing special education needs (SEN) in Guyana: the David Rose Special School, New Amsterdam Special Needs School, Diamond Special Needs School, Linden Centre for Special Children, and the Schoonord Centre for Children with Diverse Needs, met at the David Rose School on Friday, February 3rd, in a ‘tourney’ which mimicked an abbreviated version of a Swiss-system chess tournament, although it had just three rounds.
All of the teachers were excited to participate in the meet, and of the 17 participants, Roumelia Seer-Daniels, Deputy Head Mistress of David Rose Special School, took home the first-place trophy after winning all of her matches. Second place went to Karlina Prakash-Phillips (also of David Rose), who finished on 2.5 points. Third place was won by Tineisha Isaacs of the New Amsterdam Special Needs School with two points.

Notable performances were recorded by Oxana Cox of David Rose Special School, Sarah Ramkarran and Nakita Grannum of Diamond Special Needs School, and Fiona Phillips of Schoonord Special Needs School.
All participants played commendably, and this meet is expected to be held at least once a year as chess grows in popularity in special needs schools across the country.
A meet is expected to be held this year for students in these schools.
This event was hosted by the GCF in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, and was organized by Sabine McIntosh, Managing Director of the Guyana Deaf Association, who also leads the Chess in Special Needs Committee within the GCF.
Keon Cheong, Assistant Chief Education Officer for Disability, in remarking on the positive programme and the importance of chess in the development of individuals, applauded the efforts of Sabine McIntosh and the GCF, and anticipates growth of the programme in other institutions in Guyana.
The Guyana Chess Federation (GCF) has said it remains committed to providing equal access to resources and opportunities for all persons interested in the sport across Guyana, as its intent is to ensure the growth and development of chess within the nation.
Chess was first introduced in special needs schools in the first quarter of 2022, when teachers were exposed to the game for varying periods of time, some for just a few short weeks.
Vice President of the GCF, Anand Raghunauth, congratulated Ms McIntosh for the excellent job done in organizing the event, and also tasked the SEN teachers with the job of teaching chess and spotting talent within their student bodies.
Twelve-year-old Anaya Lall, a player who has a hearing impairment (deaf), has been playing chess for several years. She was also present to lend a hand at the event.
Anaya represented Guyana on the women’s team at the 44th FIDE Chess Olympiad in India in 2022.
The Guyana Chess Federation is extending sincere gratitude to Beacon Cafe for the generous support it received through the provision of free lunches to participants and officials.
Much gratitude is also extended to the David Rose Special School for providing the venue for the hosting of this event. These contributions, which added immense value to the event, are deeply appreciated, the GCF has said.
“We are truly grateful for your kindness and for the meaningful impact it has made”, the GCF has said.