GCF hosts joint training session in support of special education needs

The Guyana Chess Federation’s Special Needs Committee has hosted the first-of-its-kind combo training session for teachers and students of eight special education needs schools.
Last Friday, April 26th, nine teachers and more than 20 of their students — from St. Barnabas Special School, Linden School for Special Children, New Amsterdam Special Needs School, David Rose Special School, Diamond Special Needs School, and Schoonord Learning Centre — met at the David Rose Special School, where a venue was generously provided for this training session, coordinated by Ms. Sabine McIntosh, who heads the Special Needs Committee of the GCF.
The main objectives of the GCF are to incorporate chess as a teaching tool, and to identify special needs students with talent that can be developed to the competition level. Students from these continuous training sessions will be able to play in the 2024 National SEN Championship, scheduled for later this year, and in the National Junior Qualifier Championship.

Chess encourages problem-solving, abstract reasoning, focus, sportsmanship, creative & strategic thinking in decision-making, and pattern recognition, all of which contribute to valuable life skills.
Although several students were familiar with the game, the GCF volunteers were able to assist in correcting and demonstrating the rules of the game, and identifying and commending strategic gameplay with the players.
The afternoon session allowed these eager students from different schools and different learning abilities to demonstrate what they learned, as they played against each other. The competitive spirit was very present among the students, as they expressed joy and enthusiasm after winning a game or capturing their opponent’s pieces. They found ways to communicate when their king was in check or when a checkmate occurred.

The teachers at the training session are the core trainers for chess in their respective schools.
The Guyana Chess Federation and the Special Needs Committee remain committed to elevating the game and its players to the highest level.
In bringing awareness to special needs education, Ms. McIntosh had the kind generosity of the United Women for Special Children (UWSC), who were on hand at the event to present each school with several educational board games for students who may have varying levels of interest.
The GCF would like to thank the David Rose Special School for providing the venue, and the McDonald family who provided meals for the participants and staff.
Special thanks are being extended to the volunteers: John Lee, Marcia Lee, Marsha Ton Chung and Jessica Callender, who provided invaluable assistance during the workshop. The GCF is extremely grateful to Ms. Sabine McIntosh, who works tirelessly to promote chess within the special needs schools in Guyana.