The Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports will host its much-anticipated Inter-Secondary School Chess Tournament on December 12-13, bringing together students from seven secondary schools across the territory to compete for the prestigious title of Chess Champion.
The tournament will feature players from seven schools, including Bregado Flax Educational Centre, Claudia Creque Educational Centre, Ciboney Centre for Excellence, Cedar International School, Elmore Stoutt High School, St. George’s Secondary School, and the Virgin Islands School of Technical Studies.
The two-day competition, held at the Multi-Purpose Sports Complex, promises intense matches as students showcase their critical thinking, problem-solving, and strategic skills on the chessboard.
Minister for Education, Youth Affairs and Sports, Honourable Sharie B. de Castro, emphasized the role of chess in fostering critical thinking within the S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) framework.
“This year’s tournament builds on strides made during Innovation Week 2024,” Minister de Castro stated. “Some of our students have already competed on the global stage, and we anticipate a thrilling competition that will not only reimagine education but also enrich the culture of sports in the territory.”
Education Officer for Science, Ms. Renee Weston, highlighted the Ministry’s commitment to integrating chess into schools.
“Chess challenges students to think critically, strategize, and anticipate their opponent’s moves,” Weston remarked. “It has become a valuable tool within our S.T.E.A.M. framework, benefiting students of all ages and abilities.”
She added that the 2024 tournament is expected to be one of the most exciting yet and encouraged the public to support the players as they demonstrate their skills and strategic brilliance.
The ministry invites the public to attend and cheer on the students as they compete in this intellectually rigorous and exciting event.