Stann Creek District Third Annual Chess Tournament !!!!!!!

Congratulations to all players!!!

It all began with hand shakes and ended with hand shakes.

Traditionally the Stann Creek Chess Association have its District High School Tournaments early so that teams are selected and worked with for preparation for the country's only National Chess Olympiad. On Saturday November 27 2010 , the Independence High School willing offered to be the host of the District's annual High School Tournament.

Seventeen players from all four high school within the Distirct headed to Independence High School Auditorium to play the days most brillant games of chess.

In attendance and representing their schools were some of Belize's top chess players,to name a few:

Mr. Javier Lisbey, Peten games gold medalist , 1st place winner for 15 yrs and older in the 2010 National Chess Olympiad, member of supreme pawns team that placed overall 2nd place at 2010 National Olympiad, represented the country of Belize in international Chess games.

Mr. Alfred Awe , Peten games Silver medalist, member of supreme pawns team that placed overall 2nd place at 2010 National Olympiad, 2009 blind fold chess champion, represented the country of Belize in international Chess games.

Mr. Kris Sanchez, member of Knightwish team that placed overall 3rd at 2010 National Chess Olympiad, 2nd place winner for 13 - 14 section at 2010 National Chess Olympiad, winner of international two minutes blitz tournament, represented the country of Belize in international Chess games.

Mr. Fitzroy Chan ,Member of 4C Chess Champions team that placed overall 1st place at 2010 National Olympiad,2nd place winner in 15 yrs and older,represented the country of Belize in international Chess games.

Miss Colleen Tate ,member of Princess Pawns team that won top female team postion at 2010 National chess olympiad, Stann Creek District top female player , represented the country of Belize in international chess games.

Mr. Rick Pacascio , member of Knightwish team that placed overall 3rd at 2010 National Chess Olympiad, represented the country of Belize in international Chess games.

NEVERTHELESS, players from the other high schools were anxious and enthusitic in competing against these players.

As all acknowleged today ,that in chess there is no losing only learning!!!!

Four High Schools were reprented at this tournament:

Independence High School

Ecumenical High School

Delille Academy

George Town Technical High School

Individual places for overall games went out to the following players:

1st place- Rick Pascascio of Ecumenical High School

2nd place-Javier Lisbey of Ecumenical High School

3rd place - Fitzroy Chan of Dellile Academy

Recognition was given to top female players .

1st place - Amira Tate of Ecumenical High School

2nd place -Colleen Tate of Ecumenical High School

3rd place- Michaelynn Young of Independence High School

Prizes were given to players who showed perseverance and good sportsmanship.

Sportsmanship- Jonelle Dial of Independence High School

Perseverance -Cherrise Buckley of George Town Technical High School

After games players compete against each other on variant chess games for prizes by winning the most games. Team chess allows players to work together to ultimately checkmate the other team. War chess is every player for him/her self each player plays to dominate the entire board by taking over pieces of their checkmated opponent .

Five board team chess

Javier Lisbey of Ecumenical High, winner team chess five board variant.

Kris Sanchez of Ecumenical High, winner of team chess five board variant.

War Chess Variant

Amira Tate of Ecumenical High ,winner of War Chess variant

The Stann Creek Chess Association would like to express its gratitude to :

• Mr. Samuel Villalta coach of Independence High School who made sure all players were accomodated and comfortable.
• Players and coaches who attended these wonderful games.
• Mrs. Deborah Chun for being Computer Technician .
• Mr. Modesto Chun for being Floor Tournament Director.
• Mrs. Rosanna Chun For being in charge of variant games.
• Parents for allowing their child to participate in the tournaments

A heartfelt thank you to our Co-sponsorers :

• The Belize National Youth Chess Foundation
• Ian Anderson Caves Branch Company & Jungle Lodge.

It is the generousity and kind consideration of the above mention that truly ensures the continuity of chess within the District of Stann Creek and the country of Belize.

THANK YOU !!!!