The City Sports Office (CSO) has called on the parents of chess players and enthusiasts in Puerto Princesa to continue supporting the game as a sport so a team could be sent to compete in the regional athletic meets and national competitions.
Atty. Rocky Austria, head of the CSO, made the call Saturday during the “Chess: Battle of the Champions” awarding event at a mall in the city for aspiring young chess masters.
He said the board game should be supported more because it has the capacity to develop the finest minds among the youth.
“Sana ay magkaroon pa tayo ng maraming tournament sa chess na kagaya nito at sana mas maraming lumahok at maging masigla ito bilang isang sports,” he said.
Councilor Peter Maristela, a chess player himself, said there is a need to support young chess players so they would strive to treat it as a sport where they could excel.
He said when it is already established, the city could send the best of the best players in the Batang Pinoy, the MIMAROPA Regional Athletic Association meet, and even in national game offs.
“Nakita ko na kinakailangang suportahan ‘yong ating mga kabataan na naglalaro ng chess para naman lalo silang magkaroon ng hilig sa laro,” Maristela said.
On December 14, the Chess: Battle of the Champions awarded Riven Ken Carabit in the Kiddies Category for scoring 5.0 points against his opponent; James Puerin won first place in the Junior Category with a score of 4.5 points, and Danny Cervantes in the Open Category for scoring 4.5 points.
The game was sponsored by the CSO and the Tandikan Chess Club, Inc. Around 80 players joined with some from the towns of Narra and San Vicente.
It kicked off on November 16 and had three consecutive Saturdays for elimination.
