Team Herald

PONDA: The Goa Chess Association in association with All India Chess Federation lauched its one of a kind –chess in schools project at GVM’s A J de Almeida High School, Ponda in a step to boost children’s intellectuality and psycho-socio skills, recently.

Speaking during the launch of the programme, AICF Treasurer and GCA Secretary Kishor Bandekar said, “Chess in schools improve children’s educational outcomes and foster their social development. It helps to develop independent strategic thinking among future generations at school and in society.”

He said he strongly believes in the positive impact that playing chess can have upon children of a young age. “Chess is an amazing game. This programme gives opportunity to every child the chance to realise their capabilities to the fullest.” He added.

GCA Secretary revealed that the programme will be launched in other schools as wells in days to come. “We begin this programme with GVM’s institutions and our aim is to reach to every school in the State as every child deserves to learn and play the mind game for their growth,” he added.

GCA and GVM signed a MoU for the same to continue their partnership spreading the chess game among the younger generation. The MoU has been signed by GCA President Nilesh Cabral and Krishna Shetye, Chairman, Working Committee GVM.

Speaking after signing the MoU with GCA, Krishna S Shetye said, “I’m very much thankful for GCA for choosing our institution for this project. Finally this programme comes to our schools. Its gives me great joy that the state governing body for chess will help and nurture our raw talent.”

“This partnership will benefit the individuals and they will actually know about it only after they play the game,” he stressed.

GCA President Nilesh Cabral said that this particular initiative will help the children to develop their intellectuality. “This initiative will help the children the most and moreover they will get the opportunity to learn the game. We should promote more of such initiatives and we are looking towards partnering with more schools in future.”

GCA and GVM will approach education department for its approval for the said programme. Chief Guest and Goa’s first GM Anurag Mhamal later unveiled the text book for the kids in the presence of GVM Secretary Working Committee Deepak Gaokar, Bhaskar Khandeparkar, GVM President, General Body, Amogh Namshikar, President Ponda Taluka Chess Association, Deelip Kumar Prabhudessai, Headmaster AJ De Almeida HS.

Anurag encouraged the kids to join this programme and explained his journey with the chess game. GCA and GVM has also proposed to start government approved diploma courses for the coaches.