Chess Players Bemoan Low Federation Activities

Secretary, Chess Players Association of Nigeria
(CPAN),Charles Campbell, has said that  the lack of activities at the Nigeria Chess
Federation (NCF) has not prevented many players from training.

Campbell
told theTidesports in Lagos that he and his colleagues decided to keep
themselves busy to sustain their competitive edge.

The NCF has no programme lined up for January
and February, which has resulted in a lull in the federation’s activities.

The
FIDE Master said that since chess had become part and parcel of his daily
chores, he usually engages himself on a regular basis with other players in the
game.

“I
play chess always, even at my leisure with my children, because it is already a
part of me.

“Sometimes
when I see a fellow chess player, whether a master or not, I still play the
game because I learn more on the game, and this helps me to improve myself.

“The
fact that the federation has no activities lined up in January and February is
not enough reason for chess players to stay idle,” Campbell said.

Bunmi
Olape, another FIDE Master, said that that he had been fine-tuning his
techniques for a chess championship billed for Calabar in February.

He
told Tidesports that the event would help to keep him mentally alert to
the intricate moves in the highly intellectual game.

“I
try to play chess at all times, knowing that the federation has no programme
lined up for now, but I don’t need to have a competition in view, to train.

“I
try as much as possible, to improve my game, as I play the game frequently,’’
Olape said.

Nsiong
Bassey, a medical doctor and Vice President of CPAN, urged chess players to
always keep themselves busy, saying that chess was useful in making critical
decisions.

Bassey
recalled that she developed herself through the chess monthly heights
tournament and other chess-related activities.

“I
try as much as possible to participate in the monthly chess games which have
helped me to develop my game and keep me fit.

“I
advise all chess players to follow a similar regimen,’’ Bassey added.