Seven high schools from across the territory are scheduled to compete in the Inter-Secondary School Chess Tournament hosted today and tomorrow by the Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports.
“This year, the competition for bragging rights is much tougher,” EYAS Minister Sharie de Castro said. “Some of our students have competed on the global scale and are expected to make their mark on the tournament.”
She added that such competitions help promote critical thinking and problem solving.
“From this, we anticipate the excitement of the Inter-Secondary School Tournament to be a thriller and change the way not only in reimagining education but also by adding to the landscape and culture of sports in the territory,” she added.
The participating schools are based across three islands: Elmore Stoutt High School, St. George’s Secondary School, the Virgin Islands School of Technical Studies, and Cedar International School on Tortola; Bregado Flax Educational Centre and Ciboney Centre for Excellence on Virgin Gorda; and Claudia Creque Educational Centre on Anegada.
Chess in schools
Science Education Officer Renee Weston said the tournament is part of broader efforts to integrate chess into the classroom.
“Schools across the territory have consistently embraced and advanced chess as an integral part of their curriculum,” she said. “Chess continues to be an invaluable tool within our S.T.E.A.M. framework, benefiting students of all ages and abilities.”
She also invited members of the public to attend the event and cheer on the students.
“Chess presents a vast array of possibilities and endgame scenarios, challenging students to think critically, strategise and anticipate their opponent’s moves,” she added. “The 2024 Inter-Secondary School Chess Tournament promises to be one of the most exciting events yet.”
The initial rounds of the tournament will get under way following an opening ceremony set to start today at 9 a.m. at the Multi-purpose Sports Complex.
Tomorrow, participants will check in by 8:45 a.m., followed by announcements and the next rounds.
The Friday afternoon session will include the semi-finals and finals followed by the closing ceremony and awards presentation.
British Caribbean News
