Elite training for more than 50 junior chess players by International Master

The Guyana Chess Federation (GCF) has answered the call of Sport Minister Charles Ramson Jr by commencing its elite training programme.
This initiative came out of a collaboration between the Indian High Commission and the GCF through its Chess In Schools initiative.

Over 50 top juniors in various categories have commenced what will be initially a three-month training programme with International Master Atanu Lahiri, who was appointed training consultant by the GCF. Lahiri comes with a wealth of experience having once been the Commonwealth champion in 1999 and has over 10 years’ experience in coaching and chess education. The Federation’s approach is focused on two fronts where chess is being introduced as a recreational activity in schools and played as a competitive sport. The inroads made by the Federation has allowed for a diverse group of young players being trained to become quality players.
Among the selected players are those with special needs and persons from hinterland communities. The programme is expected to continue in 2021, with the required funding being sourced, and subsequently extended for five years.
Training coordinators Anand Raghunauth and Marcia Lee are aiming at expanding the programme to include all interested junior chess competitors. In addition to this elite training program, the Federation has sponsored 100 gold memberships on Chesskid.com, so that children can access the many learning and educational tools of the platform. Tournaments and activities are organised bimonthly and involve online play.

This exercise is carefully monitored and coordinated by Fédération Internationale des Échecs (FIDE)-trained arbiter John Lee. GCF President Frankie Farley welcomed Lahiri to the Guyana chess community and said he looked forward to great advancement from young players in the chess arena. The Federation will return to live play once it is deemed safe to do so given the COVID-19 regulations.