The Wendell Meusa Chess Foundation (WMCF), located at the American University of Peace Studies on Sheriff Street Georgetown, has a mere few months within which it must prepare young chess players for international competitions, and also make competitions more accessible in Guyana.
Wendell Meusa
Thus, facing tight timelines, a rigid schedule will be implemented as FIDE instructor Wendell Meusa seeks to roll out plans to improve the playing of chess among its younger enthusiasts.
The first of these plans is to host an interschool online chess championship. With the help of his World Chess Federation (FIDE) colleagues, an online app will be utilized for this competition, scheduled for later this month.
Speaking exclusively with <<Guyana Times Sport>>, Meusa shared the rationale behind such a tournament.
“Reason being we know we’ve got children in Bartica, Berbice, Lethem, and these kids play chess. However, it’s very hard to bring them to Georgetown and house them for an activity, so this first event is going to be like a test trial in which we’re going to host a live online tournament that could be viewed by many across Guyana,” Meusa explained.
Following this online tournament, an activity would be hosted at Cara Lodge to acquire funds to facilitate WMCF students participating in two international FIDE tournaments, namely: North American Youth Championship in Chicago, USA and the American Continental Championships in Santiago, Chile.
“We’re trying to take a team there, so we’re going to be hosting our annual fundraiser. The theme is “black and white” as, you should know, the chess board is black and white. We’re also going to be doing some exhibitions there, but basically it’s about honouring last year’s students who did very well, and also the parents, who have been playing a big part,” Meusa explained.
Then there is the CARIFTA Junior Chess Championships, for which Meusa is preparing his students. He shared their rigorous training schedule, and even revealed that it would be intensified as the time draws near.
“We were at the drawing board since last year, in preparation for CARIFTA. My kids are very keen to play and represent Guyana. We are looking for medals and to do good for our country; so, right now, we’re training consistently at the National Racquet Centre. The only day of the week we’re currently not training, for now, is Sunday; but, from later this month, we’ll do seven days a week,” Meusa revealed.
With his students being his priority, the FIDE Instructor disclosed that he is working with the Guyana Chess Federation (GCF) to get the nation’s players ready for the regional competition. He shared the number of participants the Federation is targeting for the event in April.
“The GCF is definitely pushing. From the last details I heard, we’re going to have approximately 100-150 kids. I think this is possible, we have a lot of kids here. So, we’re aiming for 150 along with the 250 that are planning to come here for next CARIFTA.”
The CARIFTA Junior Chess Championships are scheduled for April 10-13 at the Princess Ramada Hotel, East Bank Demerara. (Jemima Holmes)
