East Ruimveldt Secondary defeated St. Joseph’s Secondary to win the Inter Schools Independence draughts competition organized by the Guyana Draughts Association (GDA) on Saturday.
The tournament, held at the North Ruimveldt Multilateral School, was played on a knockout basis and saw seven schools participating.
The winning team comprised, Joshua Gladd, Vibert Dummett and Nicassy Barker.
St. Winifred’s Secondary defeated Kingston Secondary in the third-place playoff.
Only two females participated Barker and Shania Hardcourt and they were allowed to play a special match for the President’s Trophy which Barker won.
In the earlier rounds New Campbelville Secondary, Christ Church Secondary and North Ruimveldt Secondary were eliminated.
According to a press release, President of the GDA, Jiaram, in his opening remarks, welcomed the participants while Paul D’Anjou coordinator of the event, outlined the tournament rules.
The tournament was declared open by Clifton David, District Education Officer (acting) who representing the Ministry of Education.
In his remarks, David said that the Ministry was supportive of the initiative of the GDA and was in the process of preparing a comprehensive programme to get schoolchildren involved in more meaningful activities so as to divert their attentions from anti-social activities.
He also emphasized the purpose of the game and the benefits they can gather from playing the game. He said that “playing draughts it helps you to be focused and build your concentration.”
He commended the Guyana Draughts Association for the work they are doing.
Trophies sponsored by Colours Boutique were presented to the four schools.
At the closing ceremony, Jairam thanked the participants for attending and urged them to continue playing the game, the release stated.
Meanwhile, the GDA said it would like to thank the following sponsors: Noble House Seafood’s, Hand-in-Hand Insurance Company, Ansa McAl, Guyana Beverage Inc., Banks DIH Ltd., A & R Jiwanram Printing, H.A Snacks, B.M Soat, Blyden & Fernandes, John Lewis Styles, Hand-in-Hand Trust, W & R Ltd, Rose Ramdehol Auto Sales, Colours Boutique, NCE Screen Printers and Kevin’s Reflections. Special thanks also to Ms. Joseph, Head Mistress of North Ruimveldt Multilateral School and Ms. Desiree Wyles-Ogle and Clifton David from the Ministry of Education.
