The development of the game of chess continues in Oyo State as Gistcom Chess Academy hosted the first ever schools’ chess championship at Akinyele Local Government, Oyo State
The competition which was tagged 1st Akinyele Local Government Chess Championship went down on December 7, 2022 featured eight schools with three age categories – U-9, U-13 and U-17
It was another event to propagate and spot new talents.
The chairman, Oyo State Chess Association, Mr. Iredele Ogunbayo was impressed with the performance of the kids with enough space for improvement beckoning.
“The performance, I will rate it above average, some students still have a long way to go. The younger ones can play but some of them can not ‘checkmate’, that is, to win the game properly.
“They need to work more, but above all, the performance of the students was above average. It has been an amazing competition.”
Iredele, who was recently sworn in as the chairman of the association last month said this event will be a springboard to have more chess competitions at various local governments in Oyo State.
“This is the first in Akinyele Local Government, so we are hoping to take it to other local governments.
“We are grateful to Gistcom Chess Academy for organizing this championship and Akinyele Local Government for giving their support by providing a hall.
These are the kinds of support we need from the government; it is not really all about money.
“We are sure that this will be a catalyst for the game of chess to be played across all local governments in Oyo State, he concluded.”
Awards were given in various forms including the best host player, best female and overall winner.
Results and Awards
U-9
Ogunbayo Oluwafunminire (Best guest & overall best player)
Idowu Festus (Best host)
Ogunbayo Oluwadamisire (Best female)
U-13
Sambo Samson (Best guest and overall best player)
Idowu Praise (Best host)
Oyinlola Memunat (Best female)
U-17
Mufutau Waris (Best guest and overall best player)
Ogunkunle Jonathan (Best host)
Folorunsho Imisioluwa (Best female)