Chess: Holiday camp Survival Ark Foundation and local chess federation host kids’ holiday camp |03 September 2022

As part of national efforts to keep children away from the influence of social ills through sports and recreational activities, the Seychelles Chess Federation in collaboration with the Survival Ark Foundation recently hosted a chess holiday gathering over 20 children aged eight years onwards.

The programme was conducted by chess instructor and also chairman of the Seychelles Chess Federation (SCF) Benjamin Hoareau and Survival Ark Foundation (SAF) programme manager Theresa Julie and took place at the Survival Ark Centre at Beau Vallon.

They were mainly beginners’ chess course to introduce chess to the children.

The SAF is an organisation that helps parents of less fortunate children in the country by hosting holiday camps and welcoming the kids during school times, assisting them with facilities such as internet and a place to do homework in a positive environment.

Mrs Julie said the SAF is grateful that Mr Hoareau dedicated his time, energy and effort to voluntarily teach the children how to play chess, giving them additional skills that will benefit them in their everyday life.

On his part, Mr Hoareau noted that it is great to see that the interest for chess is developing in Seychelles, while the SCF encourages and supports initiatives of the SAF in seeking their support to introduce chess to the children.

“We highly recommend other clubs to take up such initiatives since chess is an activity that boosts the holistic development of children,” added Mr Hoareau.

Anyone wishing to support the SAF can contact Mrs Julie on 2573381 and Mr Hoareau for the SCF on 2797674.

The accompanying photos highlight some of the camp’s moments.

Compiled by Roland Duval