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By Rita Ugo
Students from four secondary schools recently competed in an inter-school Chess tournament organized by Starfield College, Fagba, Lagos to promote the games.
The theme of the competition is: “More Than a Game”. The tournament was held in the college hall for secondary school students from the age range of 14.
The four schools at the tournament include: Starfield College; Barachel Model College; Joram School and Providence Heights Secondary School, Fagba.
Speaking at the event, the Director of Studies, Starfield College, Mr Chris Eigbe, called on governments at all levels to invest in sports and use it to redirect the nation’s youths to positive path.
Eigbe revealed that sports can also help to significantly boost the nation’s economy.
He added: “I am writing a letter to the President on the need for us to take sports serious in this country. There are a lot of talents but the government needs to take the lead in helping to nurture the talents. “We have to put symbols of sports everywhere. It brings harmony to the society. There is also the financial rewards for those who excel in sports. Imagine what some footballers are earning now. No matter where they are based, part of the money will find its way to the country.
“Also, sports can help to redirect the attention of our youths from crime and even fraudulent activities to something productive. Government does not need to be afraid regarding the cost implications, just create the conducive environment and the private sector will take over. We had so many sports clubs in those days that were sponsored by private organisations,” Eigbe stated.
He gave reasons for organizing the chess tournament and the gains of playing the game and noted that chess is about life.
Eigbe further noted: “Chess, as we know, is far more than the movement of pieces across 64 squares. It is a discipline that cultivates patience, sharpens foresight and instills resilience. It teaches us that every decision carries weight and that strategy and perseverance can transform adversity into triumph. In this way, chess mirrors life itself – demanding thought, courage and adaptability.”
The director pledged that the next edition would feature players from primary schools, so as to catch them young.
Also speaking, the Principal of Starfield College, Mrs. Sara Oyinloye, disclosed that the last time the school competed with other schools was two years ago.
She said: “We have always been having competition among our students and when you look at how chess teaches the player to be calm and you see the calmness in the students, you will surely love the game and its impact on the players.
“It teaches many life lessons and I want to encourage our parents to allow their children to take part in sports. To produce a total child, it is not only academic activities that you will focus on.”
Oyinloye advised parents to encourage their children by helping them to discover their passion in sport and nurture it to bring out the best in them.
Starfield College Head Coach of Chess, Mr Babatunde Ogunsiku expressed satisfaction with the high level of enthusiasm shown by the students.
Ogunsiku commended the management of the school for investing in the game.
In the girls category, Starfield Schools came first, followed by Joram College, with Providence Heights coming third. In the boys category, Starfield Schools also came first, followed by Barachel Model College and Joram College clinching the third position.
All participants got certificates at the event with winners receiving medals.
