New move for game in region
In a new move, young chess enthusiasts will get an opportunity to enhance their skills on a regular basis with the Sarapu Cup coming to South Canterbury for the first time.
Focused on both high school and primary school players, the inaugural Sarapu Cup event will be held at Waihi School on February 24.
The event caters for novices as well as more experienced players.
Sarapu Cup organiser Paul McDonald, of Auckland, will travel to Waihi to run the first event, which will then be held on a monthly basis.
‘‘With multiple levels, certificates, medals, trophies, and badges, the Sarapu Cup is a fun and challenging experience for all children, including teenagers,’’ McDonald said.
‘‘As a team of professional coaches, we highly recommend the Sarapu Cup to improve your chess. There is no question that regular tournament practice improves your game.’’
Players get to face others at their own level while new players can enter the ‘‘pawns division’’ for beginners only.
Each player is guaranteed at least five games in the afternoon, or six if there is an even number of players in their division.
Waihi School principal Allan Short said the first two tournaments would be held at Waihi, and it is hoped it will move about other South Canterbury schools.
‘‘Players from North Otago and Mid Canterbury schools are also welcome.’’
‘‘There is a growing body of research showing the wideranging benefits of chess.’’
Allan Short, Waihi School principal
Short, who is a keen chess player, invited other schools to a friendly competition back in 2013. ‘‘That first competition involved 24 students from three schools – Timaru Christian School, Carew Peel Forest and Waihi.
‘‘Shortly after that St Joseph’s Timaru joined the group and since then many other local schools have participated, with last year’s friendly competition involving 100 students from 10 different schools.’’
Short said this trend has been replicated in other areas of the country with national organisation Chess Power organising regional qualifying events leading to national finals.
Last year South Canterbury had individual and team representation in the national finals in Auckland including students from Beaconsfield, Roncalli College, St Joseph’s Timaru, Waihi and Mountainview.
‘‘There is a growing body of research showing the wide-ranging benefits of chess, and other forms of problem solving, in an educational setting,’’ Short said.
‘‘An increasing number of countries around the globe are seeing chess as a positive addition to the educational experiences of students.’’