Good chess players aren’t afraid of stronger competition. This is what I’ve learned last Sunday. I was privileged to watch the friendly match among Grandmasters at the last Shell National Youth Active Chess Championship (SNYACC).
Shell National Youth Active Chess bows out
MOMI THANKS| Pilipinas Shell for the Shell National Youth Active Chess
Yes, last. Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corporation (PSPC), which sponsored the annual talent-search since 1992, is bowing out of the chess scene after 25 years. It remains proud of its grassroots youth program that has helped boost the sport and produced world-beaters like Grandmasters Wesley So, Mark Paragua, and Nelson Mariano II.
As a parent, it saddens me that the Shell Active Chess has reached its end. Surely, school officials, mentors, and coaches feel the same way as they believe in the SNYACC program. It has been a great instrument in giving hope to young chess players into becoming coaches themselves or athlete-scholars, and even internationally-known Grandmasters.
So sad that my Big Bunso wasn’t even able to get to experience SNYACC. It was only this year that he finally came out of his shell and decided to test the water. His first outside-the-school chess competition earned him a silver medal. He dreams of becoming a Grandmaster, too, just like Wesley So.
Shell National Youth Active Chess brings high hopes
MOMI THANKS| Pilipinas Shell for the Shell National Youth Active Chess
I do not want to consider the news of SNYACC bowing out as a heartbreaking one. As I always have high hopes for Pilipinas Shell in taking the initiative to unlock the youth’s potential may it be in sports, technology or entrepreneurship. I know, their decision to end the chess tournament will pave the way to another sport that will be instrumental again to unlock the youngsters’ ingenuity and creative spirit.
Did I mention good chess players aren’t afraid of stronger competition? It was what I have witnessed that Sunday when Grandmasters played against each other for a friendly match. And it is also the same thing my 11-year-old guy told me when asked about his chess tourney experience.
He knows that playing against a stronger player is the right way to help him improve at chess. He may probably lose. Definitely, though, he will get something valuable in return. The experience and the good lesson are way important to advance him to the next challenge.
Shell National Youth Active Chess continues to inspire
MOMI THANKS| Pilipinas Shell for the Shell National Youth Active Chess
The ambiance at last Sunday’s final tournament was both interesting and sentimental. As the Grandmasters showcased once more their striking chess moves, surely flashbacks surfaced. Perhaps others reminisced their competition years and the many challenges during the tourney. They may be cried and laughed as they tried to remember those years. But certainly, all are thankful for the opportunity Pilipinas Shell and the Shell National Youth Active Chess gave to them.
This mother congratulates Pilipinas Shell for coming up with the Shell National Youth Active Chess. Your commitment to keeping the chess tournament alive for 25 years is truly commendable. You’ve inspired amateurs and professionals, boosted a lot of confidence, and made names. Surely, future endeavors under your flagship will get the same warm welcome.
We have chess at home and we play from time to time. Pero hindi kami pang competition, hehehe! Is there a reason why they decided to end it?
They seem to be introducing a new sport. Not that sure though. We better wait for their announcement. 🙂
Awwww, it’s sad that Pilipinas Shell is bowing out of this already. I’m sure they’ve been able to help a lot of young chess players all these years. I hope that another company will take their place so that more players will get the help they need.
No doubt Shell was able to help a lot of talents. They have also made names. When I mentioned to my son I attended this event, he kept asking me if I saw Wesley So. He is a grandmaster who, I believe, came from Shell Chess.
It is sad to know this is the last Pilipinas Shell National Youth Active Chess event. The country needs huge help from private corporations on honing young talents be it sport, performing art, etc. Kudos to Pilipinas Shell for a fruitful 25 years on chess skills building. Thank you.
I am also grateful that there are indeed private corporations that help hone the skills of young talents. Surely, Shell’s next endeavor will get the same warm welcome and support.
So sayang that they decided to end it, I wonder why? Anyway, congratulations to Daniel, I have a feeling he will continue to improve on his chess skills. We’ve tried playing chess when I was young but I didn’t know how to win, lol! I didn’t plan my defenses back then. It’s not easy so I really appreciate those who can play it well.
I play chess, too, with the boys and as always, talo ako. Their father encourages them to play with stronger opponents daw so they would learn new tricks. Meaning, wag daw ako ang kalaban. hahaha.
What a sad obituary for the Shell National Youth Active Chess. Sayang naman! I hope they resurrect it, even with a different name.
Sad nga. But then they seem to be pushing for a new sports ata and surely they would again get the support and same love just like with Shell Chess.