Players Rate Quality Of Chess High At Garden City Games

Chess players at the on-going 17 National Sport Festival in Port Harcourt say the level of competition in this year’s edition of the chess game is high. They have also commended the organisers of the event for a job well done.

The commendation, according to the players, is coming on the heels of increasing awareness of the game in the country.

Simeon Ogun, a gold medalist at the All States Sports Festival from Benue State, averred that so far the level of competition is high.

His words, “You know chess is a very  high intellectual game and it requires serious brain exertion, but I am surprised with the level of participation at this festival”.

Compared to other sports festival, Ogun stated the level of participation is high and from all indication the game would improve if the tempo is sustained.

The Plateau State born chess champion also rated the officiating as superb, “I think so far the level of co-operation between players and officials is very encouraging”.

Asked how the sports authorities can encourage the development of the game in the country. Ogun replied, “they should introduce young kids to the game because it is highly stimulating to the brain. Once children learn it from their young age it would be easy to be maintained”.

The same view was expressed by another chess player from Edo State, Mrs. Mercy Osaige, who lauded the level of participation, “so far, it’s the best I have witnessed”.

Mrs. Osaige as at Saturday beat a Rivers State player but observed that the State is coming strongly in the game considering the level of competition.

On how she marries the game with family duties, Mrs Osaige remarked”, I have always created time for it and there is no day I don’t practice my game with somebody”.