Inter-School Chess Tournament Begins!
December 11 2024 – The Guyana Chess Federation, in partnership with the Ministry of Education kicked off the Inter-School Chess Tournament today at Queen’s College.
The two-day event, (December 11–12) brings together 160 students from 15 schools, including eight under the Ministry’s Priority Areas Programme, for an intense Rapid chess competition.
In the Rapid format, each player is allotted 25 minutes per game with an additional 10 seconds added per move, ensuring a fast-paced and engaging tournament.
The schools competing for the championship include:
- Bishops’ High
- Christ Church Secondary
- Dolphin Secondary
- Houston Secondary
- Kingston Secondary
- Marian Academy
- New Guyana School
- Richard Ishmael Secondary
- School of the Nations
- St. John’s College
- St. Joseph High
- St. Roses High
- St. Stanislaus High
- Queen’s College
- Queenstown Secondary
The tournament is divided into three categories: Open Team, Female Team, and Individual Section. Each school was invited to field a team of four players and one reserve for both the Open and Female categories, along with five participants for the Individual section. The event runs from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. daily, starting with an opening ceremony and concluding with an awards presentation.
Deputy Chief Education Officer (Technical), Dr. Ritesh Tularam, emphasized the Ministry’s strategic approach to education during his remarks at the opening ceremony. He reiterated the Ministry’s goal of ensuring that every secondary school graduate acquires a Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) qualification, a TVET skill, exposure to a sport such as chess or basketball, proficiency in a foreign language, the ability to play a musical instrument, and a strong sense of volunteerism.
To support these objectives, the Ministry has deployed coaches to schools for ongoing guidance in various disciplines, including chess. Dr. Tularam expressed hope that one day a world chess champion could emerge from Guyana’s schools.
Lauding the chess initiative, Dr. Tularam highlighted its benefits, stating, “Chess is much more than just a game”—it’s a tool for developing discipline, leadership qualities, teamwork, and confidence. He noted that the sport improves mental and social skills, fosters camaraderie, and encourages knowledge-sharing, making it an invaluable addition to students’ holistic development.
The Inter-School Chess Tournament is not only a celebration of talent and strategy but also a testament to the Ministry of Education’s commitment to nurturing well-rounded individuals equipped for success in all areas of life.
