AIM 2013: A step up for promoting chess among the youth

Committed to developing the potential of the Filipino youth, Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corporation (PSPC) once again staged a two-day chess clinic dubbed as “An Interaction with the Masters 2013” held on May 8-9, 2013 at the SM Megamal Event Centre in Mandaluyong City.

Elementary and high school students from various public and private schools in as far as Laguna, Rizal and Batangas gathered to take part in the learning journey mentored by the Philippines’ finest veteran chess masters and past winners of Shell National Youth Active Chess Championship (Shell Active Chess). The participants of the chess clinic enjoyed the learning activities in a library-like setting, while their mentors helped them shape up their chess skills through lectures and actual demonstration on the game boards.

Shell Social Investment Manager Jacqueline Ampil led the opening ceremonies by encouraging the participants to concentrate in the lecture sessions and learn as much techniques and strategies in playing chess. “For this chess clinic, we have the four past winners of Shell Active Chess as mentors to equip you with knowledge and skills in playing chess. They will be sharing with you their knowledge and expertise in chess. Take advantage of this opportunity to know more about chess as well as share your thoughts so that other participants will also learn from you. Just have fun and let’s get on with the chess clinic!” said Ampil during the opening ceremonies. The chess interaction had been fun, exciting, and meaningful for the participants. More than acquiring knowledge and skills, it provided a channel for building friendships as well as opportunity to network with those who share the same interest in chess. In the closing ceremonies, Ampil engaged the participants by testing the knowledge they have acquired from the two-day chess clinic with the masters.

The 191 participants were grouped into four (4) categories such as Beginners, Intermediate I & II, and Advance/Masteral, and mentored by former Shell Active Chess winners and renowned chess masters and coaches Randy Segarra, Roland Perez, Ronald Dableo, and Ildefonso Datu.

An Interaction with the Masters kicks off the 21st Shell National Youth Active Chess Championship. The Shell National Youth Active Chess Championship is a legacy program of Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corporation, one of the leading energy companies in the country.  

“As we continue to invest in delivering more energy to build a sustainable energy future, we continue providing support to programs that promote youth development. Aside from our focus on environmental management and protection, developing new energy sources, promoting road safety and awareness among others, our chess program is one of our innovative methods in developing the potentials of Filipino youths to become productive individuals while helping the country move towards progress,” said Ampil.

The initial leg of the 21st Shell Active Chess, with the theme “Inspiring the Nation’s Future Leaders,” happened last May 29-30, 2013 at the SM Megamall Event Centre in Mandaluyong City. The next leg is slated on June 22-23, 2013 in SM Batangas City. There will be five (5) leg tournaments which will be staged in key cities in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. For the schedule of tournaments and other details, please visit www.shell.com.ph/shell_chess. ###