Corozal and Toledo Christmas Cultural Exchange, Wildlife awareness through Chess

                                                   17^th to 21^st  December 2012                                                  

The first of its kind program went through successfully through the coordination of Mr. Humberto  Juarez and his team.

 Toledo started their journey 4:00am Monday 17^th December 2012 with ten Players and  4 coaches, arriving at Santa Clara 10:00am, where the welcome address was made by Principal of the School Mr. Gilberto Perez.  We were dispatched to our different host families where were hosted with LOVE. The itinerary for the next four days were packed with chess, sports, talent, wildlife and cultural activities held in different areas of Corozal District.

 

Children and coaches of Toledo work hand in hand with the host district in sharing and teaching chess in a detailed and easy manner.

Each day activities were held at a different village this was to encourage parents to be active part of the program, 

Special Thanks to the organizers; Corozal Chess Association, Toledo Chess Association and The Belize National Youth Chess Foundation and to the parents who assisted.

Participating coaches were: - Corozal; Santa Clara/San Roman coach Gilberto Perez and Mrs Meriah Correa, Louisville – Mrs Faustita Hernadez,  Mr. Gregorio Moralez, Sarteneja – Mr. Evelio Tzul.  San Narciso – Mr. Omar Huitz and Mrs. Elvia Huitz and Mr. Humberto Juarez.   Junior Coaches Gilberto Perez Jr., Zyrian Juarez, Shajir Pech, Eyden Juarez,

Toledo; San Pedro Columbia, San Miguel, Big Falls.  Mr. Adinaldo Requena, Mrs. Darlene Arnold, Ms, Abigail Garcia and Jose Teul

Winners of 13/14 years section

On Saturday 21st April Corozal held their district tournament, it was great day of fun and exciting Chess, Art and nice rice and beans! There were some new players, some playing in their 4th district final but all played the game with such enthusiasm.

Winners of 11/12 years section.

The tournament was held at the Louisville R.C. School.

Winners of the 9 and 10 years section
51 players took part and all had a great time with some good art between the rounds

The under 9 years section

Getting ready to start the tournament

Level One Training

On the 14th October Mr. Jose Teul and Mr. David Coombs traveled to Corozal town to conduct a level one training session for interested teachers, students and parents. Despite the heavy rain the day and night before and during the day, the training went ahead and there were 28 participants, 23 students, 2 teachers and 2 parents. The aim was to introduce the game of chess and to integrate sportsmanship, respect, problem solving into the day. At the end of the day the participants all knew how to move all the pieces except the King. The students and teachers will work together to practice the skills taught and then a level two training session will be held to complete the basic knowledge.
A big thanks to Mr. Humberto Juarez for arranging the facilities and food for the training. Also thanks to the Principal and staff of Our Lady of Guadeloupe primary school for allowing the use of their school. Of course a big thanks is in order for the parents and teachers who support this positive activity.

Corozal Chess Assocaition in ACTION!

Tournament directors at work:

Corozal Association just had their level 3 training and their First Chess Day, the following day. All the coaches are highly trained and experienced: most of them not only attended regular training workshops, they participated in the summer chess camps for kids and for coaches. We wish that you would be at their First Chess Day: there was sooo much fun and it was all done due to the energy of those determined coaches: Rosana Ake from San Joaquin R.C., Gilberto Perez from San Narciso R.C., Humberto Juarez from Louisville R.C., Humberto Sanchez from Our Lady of Guadalupe, Virgilio Ruiz from St Francis Xavier R.C. and Raymue Ake from Paraiso Gov School.
St Francis Xavier R.C. hosted the event and there were a lot of activities to enjoy.

Mini Tournament:

Art Area:

I bet you haven't seen chess pieces like those before!!!








Local Community members joined us for the day of fun and chess:
Chess Puzzles Area: this student managed to find the most solutions to the famous 8 Queens Puzzle. The task is to place 8 queens on the board in such way that none of them attacks each other. Seems simple, but try it and you will see how challenging this puzzle is!
Sportsmanship and Positive Attitude : as you can see this student who just had his King checkmated looks at the position with the smile, acknowledging that his opponent did a great job. This player lost the game but showed the quality of the best chess players: positive attitude and sportsmanship, making all of us, coaches, really proud of him!
The rest of the kids during the day displayed excellent attitude, team work, sportsmanship and enthusiasm.
During the award ceremony there were art supplies, medals, chess bracelets and chess sets given out to the winners of different fun competitions:

Thank you coaches for putting so much time and energy into keeping the chess life in Corozal active!

Corozal Chess Association

President: Virgilio Ruiz

e-mail: virruz@hotmail.com
Vice President: Humberto Sanchez
Secretary: Humberto Juarez
e-mail: humby2friend@gmail.com

Asst. Secretary: Rosana Ake
e-mail: Rayeli12@yahoo.com

Treasurer: Raymur Ake
Asst. Treasurer: Faustino Yam

Office: Virgilio's Ruiz residence at #82, 3rd Street, South, Corozal Town.

Aims and objectives: To promote a higher level of chess skills in the Corozal District.

Present Active Clubs: Xavier, San Joaquin, Libertad, Cristo Rey, San Narciso, Louisville, Paraiso, and San Antonio.

First Meeting took place on Friday, June 6th. Present at the meeting: Humberto Sanchez, Raymur Ake, Rosana Ake, Faustino Yam and the Principal of San Narciso Mr. Perez.