Chess   Perseverance secondary school receives equipment from SCF |24 July 2023

Mr Jolicoeur accepting the equipment from Mr Hoareau, in the presence of Mrs Servina and Mr Nyendwa (Photo: Neil Sirame)

In an effort to kick-start chess across the country, the game’s local governing body recently presented two chess sets and a board to the Perseverance secondary school chess club

It was the chairman of the Seychelles Chess Federation (SCF) Benjamin Hoareau who handed over the equipment to deputy head teacher Bernard Jolicoeur, during a small presentation ceremony at the school’s library, in the presence of coach of the school’s chess club Andrew Nyendwa who is also a personal and social education (PSE) teacher, and Margaret Servina who made the request to the federation.

Mr Hoareau said it is their continuous effort and commitment to re-vitalise chess in the country, and providing chess equipment to schools is one way of doing it.

“We received chess pieces and equipment from the Seychelles Olympic and Commonwealth Games Association (Socga) and we are currently distributing these equipment to help in the promotion of chess in schools, as chess is a life tool that can help kids in different ways,” said Mr Hoareau.

He added that they are aiming to encourage and involve the youths in positive activities which would produce positive results in the future in society.

He also noted that the Beau Vallon secondary school is integrating chess within its extra curriculum.

Mr Houreau also said that the SCF is planning to help coaches from different clubs with training courses to empower them, and also keeping them abreast with the recent development within the chess world.

 “We want to keep helping in any way we can and we are targeting to reach all the schools in the country,” he added.

The equipment came from the Seychelles Olympic and Commonwealth Games Association (Socga) and the SCF started distribution with the English River secondary school followed by Belonie, Anse Royale and Pointe Larue.

Mr Jolicoeur expressed his gratitude towards the SCF for the generous gesture, saying it will help them in building their chess club which was launched recently.

“It will allow us to attract more students to join the club,” said Mr Joliceour.

 He thanked Mrs Servina for playing a key role in getting in contact with the SCF to make the presentation possible.

“I am confident that the students  present  and others who form part of the  club will use this opportunity to develop themselves further, so that we can have chess champions from the Perseverance secondary school soon,” added Mr Jolicoeur.

The chess club normally operates during lunch time in the school’s library whereby the students learn how to play and engage in matches.

Mr Nyendwa also expressed his gratitude towards the SCF, noting that chess is the appropriate tool to open the mind of a student.

Mrs Servina who played a big role in setting the event, also thanked the SCF for supporting their club, adding that the new equipment will enable the school to launch an inter-house chess competition.

Andrew Antoine, a student and member of the chess club, said chess is a tool which helps him to develop academically and also make new friends.

Neil Sirame