Learn Life Skills by Learning Chess

This week Errol Tiwari writes about an upcoming clinic in his hometown to teach kids how to play chess, and plugs the benefits of learning how to play: Chess with Errol Tiwari You want smarter kids? Then take them to the chess clinic Sunday, August 12th 2007 It is said that chess is the gymnasium of the mind. We know it is the classic game of strategy. Fortunately, it can be played by anyone and everyone. It is a thinking game, and has this image of a brainy pastime. But children as young as five, six or seven, have been able to learn and grasp the basics of the game. In selected elementary schools overseas, chess is a regular part of the maths curriculum. Why? As kids play chess they actually use logic and problem-solving skills. They learn to develop strategies because it is necessary to plan ahead, and this represents excellent training for a young, undeveloped mind. It teaches the child patience and concentration; the importance of analysis and how to draw on memory. Chess has the virtue of being completely free of the element of luck. The result of each game depends entirely upon the skill of the player. When a child plays chess he or she soon learns that failure cannot be blamed on anyone else. Results are completely owing to a child's own abilities and efforts, and that child must take responsibility for his or her own actions. Victory is earned and savoured as a personal accomplishment. The ancient and regrettable notion that chess is for a privileged few is false. Everyone who learns chess gets immediate benefits; and everyone decides for themselves how far chess can take them - from absolute beginner to chess master. Beginning tomorrow, August 13 and continuing until Friday, August 17, a chess clinic will be held for kids/teenagers at the Carifesta (National Service) Sports Club on Carifesta Avenue. The committee which has been established to promote chess locally has been requested by Dr Frank Anthony, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport to organize the programme. The committee is inviting thirty school-age kids and youths to participate in the programme. Each participant is required to complete an application form at the Oasis Café in Carmichael Street, and the first 30 applicants will enter the programme. Participants will be taught the moves of the game and how to play. They will also be given a demonstration on how to use the chess clock. Parents, if you want your kids to be smarter, if you want them to be focused, if you want them to observe carefully and concentrate on an assignment deeply, bring them to the chess clinic. We intend to begin at 9.30 am and end at 1 pm each day. There will be a one-hour lunch break. Admission to the programme is free. The clinic is being sponsored by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport.