Unlike checkers that's played freely on street corners and in backyards with bottle stoppers, that game's uptown cousin, Chess, is not very popular in Belize. But the Belize Association of Chess Players is determined to gain new converts to this princely board game. That effort takes off tomorrow with a tournament and Alfonso wanted to see if he qualified. Here's how it went.
Alfonso Noble Reporting,
It’s an elegant game with a rich history even in Belize where competitive chess dates back to 1903. But today I wasn’t making any kind of history when I tried to brush up my game against a well-primed local competitor, Glenn Reneau of the Chess Association. Under the tyranny of the ever-watchful clock my strategy buckled and Glenn cleaned the board with me. While he’s sharp on his game, he says competitive Chess in Belize needs new blood to replace the old schoolers like him.
Glenn Reneau, Chess Association
“We need some young interested players to get involved so we can revive Chess and take it to the heights that you really want to see Chess in Belize.”
And that’s why they’ve organized the summer storm games for this weekend at the Radisson. Over 40 competitor in junior intermediate and senior categories will vie for these trophies.
Glenn Reneau,
“We decided to build up these games because the summer is here and lots of students are out of high school and we wanted to get something going for them as an alternative to other areas and activities.”
And now regular tournaments have generated interest across age ranges interest in a game that has universal appeal.
Glenn Reneau, Chess Association
“We are seeing more and more people showing interest in Chess. And for us at the organizational level we view that as a very good thing because we want people to realize that Chess is not just an ordinary mental game or a sport for intellectuals. That is not true, it is for all ages. And we know it is beneficial psychologically and intellectually; it develops your disciplines and other facets of yourself so we want to see that happen.”
And it is a keen mental workout, great fun and all that, but when you’re getting taken out as easily as I did, I’ve decided that I’m not quite ready for competition level chess but if you feel you are, feel free to attend the tournament tomorrow.
Sunday's event starts at 9:00 and the senior champion is guaranteed a cash prize of $2,900 dollars.