Introductory chess programme spreads to Bartica

The drive and desire to expand the popularity and playing of Chess among Guyana’s youth continues, and was, this time around, facilitated by the National Sports Commission (NSC), which opted to send National Chess Coach, player and Candidate master Wendell Meusa to Region 7 (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) to conduct an introductory chess course in a number of schools in the Bartica area.

Titled “Bartica Chess in School – Introduction to Chess workshop”, the programme ran from June 4 – 8, during which time visits were made to schools such as St. John’s the Baptist Primary School, Three Miles Secondary, Two Miles Primary, St. Anthony’s Primary (Main Building and Annex) and Bartica Government Secondary School.

Operating on rules and regulations set by the World Chess Federation (FIDE), Meusa brought the gift of chess to some 276 students. They were taught the basics of Chess, the academic benefits of Chess in schools, how to manoeuvre around a chess board, and the plays and functions of every piece.

Additionally, the students were treated to a study of famous games from 1852 & 1842 involving Paul Morphy (former USA Champ) and Adolf Anderssen (former German & World Champion) respectively. These games were used to illustrate the basic tactical and strategic ideas in chess.

In the near future, it is the hope of the parties involved, a similar course can be conducted in schools that are located on the riverside of the region. In addition, there will be a teacher’s training programme and an inter schools novice competition to test the basic skills that they have acquired.

“The ultimate aim of these programmes is to promote the development of chess clubs within the schools, where these clubs will be managed by the teachers,” a statement said. These plans are all geared at having students from the region participate in the National Inter-School Chess Championships, which are usually hosted by the Guyana Chess Federation.

Regional Education Officer (REDO) for Region 7, Mr. Akbar Chindu, was present at the activities, and formally welcomed Mr. Meusa to the town of Bartica. In his remarks, Chindu noted that he is aware of the benefits of the sport, and is receptive of the sport being integrated into the school system.

He said he hopes this is not the beginning and the end of the development of the sport in the region, and that the sport can be spread to “interior” schools in the region so they can have equal chances for their social and mental development.