Minister of Sport, Senator Brent Sancho said he is "very interested in the idea of introducing chess clubs in schools where they don't already exist." The Minister said so during a courtesy call by two teenaged chess players who have made history in the sport, Vishnu Singh, T&T's first International Master and Javanna Smith, the country's first Woman Fide Master. He noted that their achievement "was not only momentous in the careers of both youngsters but also for T&T."
Their international titles were won at the CAC U20 Championships in December 2014. Their achievements, the Minister said, were not only momentous in their own careers but also for T&T "which can now boast of its first IM and WFM titles."
To mark the occasion, the Minister presented the two chess stars with commemorative plaques. "We are very proud of you and we are eager to contribute to your future success in the sport."
He added: "I am very interested in the idea of of introducing chess clubs in schools where they don't already exist in order to add another dimension of sport to student's curriculum. Chess may not be considered a sport but I am aware of the role it can play in developing critical thought and a strategic approach to whatever sport you play."
President of the T&T Chess Association, Anderson Gordon told the Minister that the CAC Youth Festival will be held in T&T next August, making it an ideal opportunity to showcase the country's talent and prepare them as well for competition.
Sancho agreed to meet further with the Association's executive to have a better understanding of their programmes and plans for 2015 and to determine how best the Ministry could help them to achieve their objectives.