Federation invites participants

By JELILAH KUM
The Papua New Guinea Chess Federation wants students between the ages of seven and 15 years to attend its classes in order to improve their problem-solving skills.
Federation president Mark Aiio told The National yesterday that chess — an unpopular sport compared with rugby league and soccer in PNG — had great health benefits for everyone, including children.
“Chess will help develop patience, concentration, problem-solving skills and brain function among players,” he said.
“Chess is a non-contact sport that deserves greater recognition and requires sponsors to remain afloat.”
Aiio, who has trained more than 200 chess players since 2002, said he would like to transfer his knowledge to students.
The federation will be running classes between 8am and 11am every Saturdays for the next 10 weeks at downtown.
Aiio said due to the Covid-19 pandemic, no more than 20 students would be allowed to train per hour.
He is also extending the invitation to the public, with a registration fee of K20 per session.
The registration fee will help cover training materials, record sheets and analysis.