An old-time sport/game has piqued the interest of local youth recently.
Chess, officially recognized as a sport by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), has seen a resurgence as of late within the City of Yorkton, primarily with the city's children. "It's good for children to play chess," said Narom Sing, coordinator of the local Chess Club and the director of the Saskatchewan Chess Scholastic. "It helps them with problem solving because they have to watch the other players' moves and find out how to counter or attack them.
"It also teaches them concentration and patience."
Not only does chess teach them concentration, patience and problem solving skills, according to Sing it can also improve a child's self-confidence. "Some kids that join chess have difficulties at school and will have an EA (Education Assistant) with them all the time," suggested Sing, continuing, "but when they play chess they understand it and do well and that makes them happy and more confident in their mental abilities."
And while chess is seen by most as merely a board game played to pass the time, for the children taking part in chess in Yorkton it can be a way to expand their traveling portfolio. "Kids have the opportunity to travel to tournaments in 2015," offered Sing, adding that after Yorkton hosts the Regional tournament in March a child can also take part in the Provincial tournament in Saskatoon and even Nationals, which will take place during May long weekend in Quebec City.
In addition to the National, Provincial and Regional tournaments, Yorkton children also have the opportunity to take part in chess tournaments and games throughout winter with the most recent one taking place this past weekend, where 27 children ranging in age from six to 13 played five, 30-minute games each. "We'll hold more tournaments later and we'll put flyers up around the city," said Sing, continuing, "We also have chess at the library every week which is open to everyone, not just children."
