KASPAROV CHESS IN EDUCATION IN ASIA
by Peter Long
In conjunction with the Kasparov Chess Foundation’s 15th Aniversary Celebrations, the Kasparov Chess Foundation Asia-Pacific undertook the organization of five events in five Asian countries for the promotion of Chess in Education to be done in partnership with National Chess Federations and their respective Ministries of Education (or Education Departments).
Michael Khodarkovsky, FIDE Senior Trainer, and the captain and coach of numerous USA national teams, and who is also President ofthe Kasparov Chess Foundation, agreed to be the principal speaker in the Chess in Education seminars and workshops.
On 22 March, Khodarkovsky kicked off a four-country visit, starting with Guam and on 25 March landed in Manila where he was met by Ignatius Leong, Director of Kasparov Chess Foundation Asia-Pacific and Red Dumuk, Executive Director of the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) together with his predecessor Grandmaster Jayson Gonzales and Project Manager Peter Long.
Michael Khodarkovsky with Lt. Gorvernor Ray Tenorio
True aficionados use the King’s Gambit, of course!
The Lt. Governor is a great support of the inclusion of chess in the schools, one of the many goals of this South East Asian tour.
700 PARTICIPANTS IN YOUNG TALENTS AGE-GROUP RAPID CHAMPIONSHIPS!
L-R: MK, Cliburn Anthony Orbe, Senior Vice-President Alphaland, IL and Red Dumuk
The next day, 26 March, saw no less than 700 young talents participating in the Young Talents Rapid Chess Tournament which was held at Alphaland Makati Place. Both officials and staff of the NCFP were present to help make the event a success and yet, due to space constraints, more than 200 entries could not be accepted!
L-R: Red Dumuk, MK vs Daniel Quison, Congressman & NCFP Vice President Neli Colmenares, Cliburn Anthony Orbe and IL
CHESS FUN IN THE PARK
While waiting to give away the prizes, it was decided to visit Rizal Park and of course there was chess!
Many tie-ups for chess development were also concurrently made for the future
Rogelio Orio, President Guam Chess Federation, Eugene Torre, MK, IL and Cliburn Anthony Orbe
CHESS IN EDUCATION SEMINAR
Ignatius Leong and Michael Khodarkovsky
The Philippines Department of Education enrolled some 30 teachers in the Chess in Education Seminar for 27 March and they were joined by members of the Professional Chess Trainers Association of the Philippines.
Group Shot
Michael Khodarkovsky
Jayson Gonzales
Eugene Torre
Jayson Gonzales, Ignatius Leong, Michael Khodarkovsky, Eugene Torre
MEDIA BRIEFING
It had been a very full and fruitful visit, and on 28 March, the day before we were to depart to Yangon, Myanmar, Red Dumuk had arranged for a media briefing with the Philippines Sportswriters Association. Also in attendance was Nepomuceno A. Malaluan, Assistant Secretary of the Education Department
