In what would be termed the upset of upsets, St. John’s Secondary School overcame Christ Church Secondary 27-21 as the Pre-Christmas Annual Inter School’s Draught competition concluded at the National Gymnasium on Saturday.
The victorious St John’s pose with their prize with president of GDA Jairam Ramdeen (back row extreme left)
President of the Guyana Draughts Association (GDA) Jiaram Ramdeen addressed the children before the start of the competition giving them a brief historical background of the game, and the high expectation he envisaged during the tournament. The GDA Boss told the children that the game can help them focus more and would impact positively in their academics.
He also challenged the youths that if he assess them of high playing ability, they would have the chance to compete with Suriname and Trinidad. The games were contested on the 100 square boards which coincide with international games. The rule of international Draughts was also applied.
Joshua Sobers of St. Johns Secondary was the key player to his team; he registered the maximum 12 points. Runako Williams of Christchurch Secondary with a brilliant 9 points could not save his team’s defeat.
Teacher Downer of St. Johns was given the task of selecting one player from Christchurch and one from St. Johns to compete for the most valuable player. He came up with Williams and Sobers respectively. At the end of the two allotted games both players were clinched at a deadlock but a tie breaker saw Joshua Sobers taking the edge.
During intervals the players were treated with ice-cream and drinks compliments of Banks DIH Ltd. The first and second place trophies were also donated by Banks DIH.
Trophies for the best players on both sides were donated by the Guyana Draughts Association.
All the players were given a bag of health foods donated by H.A Snacks before their departure of the venue; much to their delight and surprise. The event was coordinated by Paul D’Anjou who is also coordinator of the GDA.
