QUEENSIDE CHESS CAMP SEES MORE WOMEN PARTICIPATING IN CHESS

The Guyana Chess Federation (GCF), together with the Guyana Women in Chess  Community (GWICC), on Sunday, April 7th, 2024, hosted the Queenside Girls and  Women Chess Camp at Cara Lodge, Georgetown. 

It is the second year that the GWICC has hosted the female-only chess camp. The  core mission of the annual camp is to close the gap in gender parity in the game.  The GCF has seen a significant membership increase in female players, especially  

in the girls’ division in the age category tournaments of rapid games. The annual event attracted more than 50 girls and women, aged from eight years  to forty eight years, who came to enjoy an afternoon of fun and social interaction  among their peers. In the group, some beginners eagerly learned from the  seasoned players, while others focused solely on playing. 

The chess camp aims to empower girls and women through chess and encourages  knowledge sharing while fostering friendships among the females. The afternoon  event certainly achieved this goal as the younger girls were enthusiastic and vocal.

in their expressions and joy only chess players can attain in playing chess. These  promising young players are poised to contend for the championships vacated by  aging competitors. 

Company Secretary of the Guyana Chess Federation and organizer of the  Queenside event Marcia Lee, in the opening remarks of the camp, expressed  gratitude for the strong support received from the GCF, parents, and the sponsors  of the event, International Import, and Supplies. Mrs. Lee spoke about the need  to hold a space for female chess players who can develop their skills and  encourage each other. She noted that the number of girls and women playing  chess, whether casually or competitively, has increased when compared to  previous years. 

The Queenside event sponsor representative, Mrs. Jagmohan also made some  remarks, encouraging girls in chess. She lauded the federation for its progress in  promoting the sport over the years, creating opportunities for children to play  from a young age.

The Guyana Chess Federation thanks the Jagmohan Family for their continued  support in promoting the game of chess and empowering young girls to be their  best and continue to break barriers. 

The one-day camp is the perfect lead into the next tournament, the 2024  Women’s Chess Championship Qualifiers, which will play at the National Racquet  Center, Woolford Avenue, from the 13th -14th April and 20th – 21st April 2024.  Chess teaches life skills, some of which are respect, how to focus, and making  decisions under pressure. 

Interested persons are welcome to sign up to become members of the federation  and also register for Guyana Chess Federation’s Chess Club for students  at https://guyanachess.gy.