Chess enthusiasts have advised parents on the need to encourage their kids to learn and be involved in the sport.
The chess enthusiasts spoke on the sidelines of a chess tournament organised by Rupetta Academy to celebrate World Chess Day in Abuja.
Katmaan Senlong, an Education Advocate said the importance of engaging in the sport cannot be over-emphasised.
“We are here to celebrate the international world chess day. This is a tournament to celebrate everyone that plays chess in Nigeria.
“I can’t overemphasize the unique skills you learn by playing chess; reasoning, logical thinking, strategic organizational skills, attention to detail, and most importantly thinking outside the box.
“So, we are here today not just to celebrate international world chess day, but also to encourage youths to embrace this noble game.
“They say it is a game for geniuses, but it’s actually for everyone because today we are celebrating the fact that we are family,” she said.
Selong, who is also the CEO of Rupetta Academy, the Organisers of the World Chess Day Tournament, said there was a need to create more awareness about the game in the country.
She said the game needs to be introduced into the curriculum of schools and parents should be encouraged to enroll their kids into chess clubs, to teach them these unique transferable skills.
She noted that her academy was doing a lot in this regard, adding that they were set to also organise a maiden Summer Tech, Swimming, Coding, and Chess programme for kids between the ages of six to 12 years.
She revealed that at the club they combine unique opportunities for kids to learn how to code, play chess, and swim, saying that it was a unique combination because it will teach them across the spectrum.
“They learn skills they will need to become fantastic leaders tomorrow such as; coordination, focus, discipline, concentration, and paying attention to details, amongst others.
“I am sure these are familiar words in curriculum vitae nowadays when one is applying for a new job.
“So, we are here to teach these children these skills because I am a firm believer in the notion that practice makes perfect.
“We are organising a maiden Summer Tech Swimmers Coding, Chess, and Swimming Club during the vacation period aimed at positively engaging school children in productive ventures.
“Indeed, this is the maiden edition and that’s why we are making it spectacular by organising this world chess day tournament.
“The programme will run from July 24 to Sept. 4 and we will be giving out massive discounts and also making it affordable and accessible for kids that do not have this opportunity by providing scholarships for them.
“But for those that can afford it, they are going all the way to get it and we have unique activities in the Tech Swimmers’ Club. It’s N300,000 for the full package,” she said.
She stressed that the programme would be packed with lots of activities that kids would enjoy, but not only enjoy but skills they will need when they become employable.
“For instance, there will be classes on emotional intelligence and I can guarantee you that kids are not taught that in school.
“We are here to teach emotional intelligence because they need to, first of all, be aware of their environment, how their emotions affect other people, and how they can control it.
“We are going to have health and fitness classes for them. We will be teaching them negotiation skills, and presentation skills, to name only but a few.
“But not just that, we are also organising lots of events that will bring kids and young people together.
“Football for instance is going to be on the agenda. We are going to also introduce Scrabble. These games are academic, intellectual, and mind workout games.
“So, we will be encouraging young people to partake in this unique combination of games, activities, and lectures,” she said.
Bode Durotoye, Chairman, Technical, Nigeria Chess Federation emphasised the need for children to learn the game at a very young age.
“This is because it is going to be a gift for life. Chess is life generally and as you develop in life, you develop in the game too.
“I met a young lady here at the age of 10. She was crying after I defeated her, but I had to pet and encourage her that the game of chess was a continuous process.
“You win today, you lose tomorrow. These are the kind of values that the game of chess builds in the lives of children.
“Life is not always rosy, you can be good today, tomorrow is a different situation,” he said.
Anthony Ogor the Chairman of the Zalika Chess Club, Abuja, on his part said chess was fun and a game of kings.
“When you play chess there is this aura of reputation that goes with it. When you see the class of people that play chess, you will quickly attribute intelligence to them.
“Besides that, internally what chess does to you is that it gives you that air of confidence, especially when you are faced with challenges or troubles.
“Whatever it is, you are able to come up with solutions quickly with even few options available to you,” he said.
For eight-year-old chess champion Ivie Urieto, playing the game has made her imbibe the values of discipline, timeliness, politeness, and obedience.
“I was introduced to chess by my father at the age of four and always watched him while he played. That was how I fell in love with the game.
“My dream is to represent Nigeria in various International competitions and become a Grandmaster in the next five years,” she said.
Joshua Adejo, a Senior champion who emerged the winner of the event’s biggest prize said he was elated to have won despite all odds.
“I started the game awkwardly but I was able to gain some momentum with my play and deliver those wins at the very critical moments when it mattered most,” he said.
The general and female categories both had a prize purse of N100,000 each spread across different winners.
While the children category had an N100,000 cash donation with exercise books, math sets, and other learning materials.
