The Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports’ Inter-Secondary School Chess Tournament will see seven schools in the Territory vying for the title of Chess Champion from December 12 to 13.

The seven registered secondary schools in the tournament include 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.

Minister for Education, Youth Affairs and Sports, Honourable Sharie B. de Castro said the sport of chess contributes to the critical thinking and problem solving element of a S.T.E.A.M.-approach education.

The Minister said, “At Innovation Week 2024, we have made strides to chess aspect, consistent from the previous year. This year, the competition for bragging rights is much tougher, some of our students have competed on the global scale and are expected to make their mark on the Tournament. From this, we anticipate the excitement of the Inter-Secondary School Tournament to be a thriller and change the way, not only in reimagining education but also by adding to the landscape and culture of sports in the Territory.”

Education Officer for Science, Ms. Renee Weston, expressed the Ministry’s strong support for integrating chess into schools.  She stated, “Schools across the Territory have consistently embraced and advanced chess as an integral part of their curriculum.  Chess continues to be an invaluable tool within our S.T.E.A.M. framework, benefiting students of all ages and abilities.”

Ms. Weston further remarked, “Chess presents a vast array of possibilities and endgame scenarios, challenging students to think critically, strategize and anticipate their opponent’s moves.  The 2024 Inter-Secondary School Chess Tournament promises to be one of the most exciting events yet.  We invite everyone to come out and cheer on our talented students as they demonstrate their skills and strategic brilliance on the chessboard!”

Day one of the tournament will begin on Thursday, December 12, and will see the participants registering.  An opening ceremony will be held at 9:00 a.m. followed by the commencement of the initial rounds. 

Day two and the final day of the competition will be Friday, December 13. Participants will check in at 8:45 a.m. followed by announcements and then the rounds.  The afternoon session will have the semi-finals and finals followed by the closing ceremony and awards presentation. The tournament will be at the Multi-Purpose Sports Complex, and the public is invited to support the schools and their players. 

The Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports continues to provide high quality educational services, as well as facilitate access to and participation in sports and recreation, in order to enrich the lives of all residents of these Virgin Islands.

 Chess Tournament 2024 Flyer

 (Photo credit: GIS)