Chess's success attributed to collaboration with Sport Ministry

Chess’s success attributed to collaboration with Sport Ministry

Jan 11, 2009 Sports

Minister Anthony (seated, centre) shares in the moment as the various award winners in the annual Guyana Chess Federation presentation show off their prizes.

By Edison Jefford
Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr Frank Anthony has stated that the success of the Guyana Chess Federation (GCF) is attributed to their collaboration and relationship with the Ministry and that more associations could tap in.
The Minister was speaking that the annual presentation ceremony of the federation where the national junior and senior champions were presented with prizes at Ramphal House, New Garden Street last Friday night.
“I am very pleased that the Ministry has been working with the federation,” Anthony said while adding that the work of national associations and federations is more important than year–end presentations to athletes.
“In our country we have many associations and federations but it is what they are doing that’s important and one of the things that federations ought to do is to ensure that they constantly have competitions,” he said.
According to Minister Anthony, competitions and workshops is one of the sure ways to develop players. He said that a lot has happened for chess, which is testimony of the fact that the federation has done serious work.
“If the federation is to give you a report on what was done over last year or so then you will see that they have made significant progress and the fact that they have had a national tournament is testimony of that fact,” he observed.
Anthony said that it behoves the now functional association to continue its programme in schools along with the promotion of the game. He said that the local federation should renew its membership with the international body.
Additionally, the Minister said that the Ministry will independently sponsor the schools competition this year. Anthony was of the view that the schools’ contest can act as a catalyst for the graduation of players.
“It’s a game for all ages but we want to focus on schools since that will represent future players and I can tell you that the Ministry will sponsor the schools championship again this year and will give five chess boards to 40 schools,” he informed.
The constant flow from juniors to seniors is very good for the longevity and sustainability of game. I think that effort will pay off in years to come,” Anthony continued, adding that there are chess clocks and boards available.
The objective of the Ministry, according to the Minister, is to promote the game and to increase the number of players in the game. He said that the lessons of chess can be transferred into the general course of life.
“I think lessons in chess can replicate in life. We want to have every body playing chess and that should be the objective of the federation,” Anthony said, adding that the objective should be to popularise the sport.