Just a few weeks ahead of their stint at the 43rd World chess Olympiad, members of the Guyana Chess Federation (GCF) got the opportunity of a lifetime to learn from and interact with Moldovan Grand Master Victor (Viktor) Bologan.
Grand Master Victor Bologan takes on a group of Guyana’s best players in a simultaneous exhibition
Bologan has a lengthy resume as it relates to chess having participated in the Olympiad and other top ranked international tournaments countless times. At one point in his career, the grand master has a FIDE (World Chess Federation) rating of 2734. However, Bologan has since turned his interests to teaching chess around the world and has also written seven books and has a DVD collection of seven tapes which all explore various advanced Chess playing techniques.
As such, the grand master has made time in his hectic schedule to make a one day visit to Guyana to impart his knowledge on not on the team that will represent Guyana at the 2018 Olympiad but also the younger generation of chess players.
Speaking at the introductory ceremony, President of the GCF Attorney James Bond, shared a little about the purpose of the brief visit at the National Resource Centre, Woolford Avenue.
“His visit here not only coincides with the chess Olympiad but as a result of discussions he and I have had about the development of chess generally in Guyana,” Bond said.
It was further explained that the grand master possesses a number of unique ideas which could improve way and level of chess that is played in the country.
As such, the President of the Federation believes that it is a smart move in the direction of growth. “The Guyana Chess Federation believes that if we partner strategically with persons who are not only versed in the game of chess or in the administration of chess but persons who have the game of chess at heart, we will advance the growth of chess in Guyana and see results in the coming years. He (Bologan) is coming with a series of ideas and initiatives which I think any federation who is interested in developing the game of chess would learn from his experience. ”
Noting that he has observed much in his short time here, Bologan has indicated that he sees potential in the country’s players. “Guyana is a small nation but as we can see, chess is there, chess is played and they have champions”
“The physical presence of FIDE is not only talking but visiting and assisting,” the grand master stated in relation to what he hopes to achieve within his time here. He further went on to disclose that he intends to continue developing and supporting chess in Guyana.
In his first game, Bologan took on eight of Guyana’s best players all at once in a simultaneous exhibition inclusive National Champion Wendell Meusa, Anthony Drayton and Female champion Maria Thomas.
