PCJ Group back on board for Schools Chess Champs
THE PCJ Group is back on board as title sponsor of the 2017/18 National Schools Chess Championships, this time with a sponsorship package valued at more than $460,000.
Petroleum Corporation of Jamaica (PCJ) and its subsidiaries Wigton Windfarm Limited and Jamaica Aircraft Refuelling Services Limited are providing cash and prizes as well as competition venues for the prestigious championship, which is now in its knockout rounds.
Some 52 teams from 28 schools started the tournament last December, with 22 squads progressing to the playoffs and 10 advancing to the finals. The line -up of remaining competitions includes the Wigton Windfarm/Jamaica Aircraft Refuelling Services High School Girls Chess Champs finals, scheduled for February 19 and 27, as well as the finals of the PCJ Group National High School Chess Champs to be held on March 1-2. All matches of both finals will be played at the PCJ auditorium in New Kingston.
While speaking at a brief handing over ceremony held at the PCJ’s New Kingston offices recently, Camille Taylor, manager, corporate affairs and communications, said: “It is a pleasure for the PCJ Group to once again join forces to support youth chess, as the sport helps students to develop their intellectual capabilities while enjoying the fun of good competition.”
“This marks the fourth consecutive year that the PCJ Group has been title sponsor of the National Secondary Schools Chess Championships, and we hope to continue to be involved with the sport for years to come,” Miss Taylor added.
In response, vice-president of the Jamaica Chess Federation, Peter Myers, said, “The Jamaica Chess Federation is grateful for the support that the PCJ Group has been providing over the years. Through the Group’s contribution, we have been able to continue to host our tournaments while furthering our efforts to mould the young minds of our many players who express a desire to strengthen their critical-thinking skills and compete among the best.”