Chess |18 August 2023

The presentation ceremony (Photo: Contributed)

Gift of Chess supports chess development in communities

The Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs earlier this week received a donation from the US-based charity, Gift of Chess.

This donation includes 27 chess boards along with their corresponding pieces, which is set to bolster the development of chess skills and education within communities.

Robin Bonne, a Seychellois chess player, who has been engaged as the charity's ambassador for Seychelles officially handed over the donated items in a ceremony held at the Bel Ombre district administration office. Bel Ombre is one of the first districts to start holding chess classes, the first of which starts this week. 

The brief ceremony was attended by the member of the National Assembly (MNA) for Bel Ombre, Sandy Arissol, director general for Community Affairs, Denise Clarisse, district administrator for Bel Ombre, Tahiri Laurencine and district administrator for Mont Fleuri, Steve Noël.

In his capacity at the charity’s ambassador, Mr Bonne is in the process of distributing 1,000 flex pad chess boards throughout Seychelles.

Notably, a portion of this ongoing donation, comprising 100 chess sets, has already been allocated to the Seychelles Chess Federation. Schools and communities are also benefiting from this initiative, with careful consideration given to addressing specific needs.

Underlining the charity's inclusive approach, Mr Bonne highlighted that while the Gift of Chess charity traditionally targets vulnerable children, the mission in Seychelles extends to involving all children in chess education. This approach is designed to foster strategic thinking and cognitive development among the youth, removing them from negative influences.

Mrs Clarisse expressed deep appreciation for the donation's significance, particularly with the approaching World Humanitarian Day.

She expressed her hopes that children across communities would seize the opportunities presented by these ongoing donations to engage with chess and its diverse benefits.

“The ministry is committed to identifying districts where there are strong interests in receiving chess boards,” the director general for Community Affairs added.

On his part, Mr Arissol praised Mr Bonne's dedication and emphasised the importance of community members actively contributing to societal improvement. Recognising the potential of chess as a tool for empowerment and personal growth, he commended the efforts of the Gift of Chess charity.

With a goal of distributing 1,000,000 chess sets globally by 2030, Gift of Chess remains steadfast in its mission. This endeavour is rooted in the belief that chess serves as a potent instrument for intellectual development and social progress.

Article contributed by MLGCA