PRESIDENT of the Guyana Draughts Association, Jairam Ramdeen, is hoping for more support to take the game to new heights in Guyana.
After a successful two-day national championship in Georgetown, Ramdeen is optimistic that the sport can continue to grow and that interest can be reignited in certain areas if more systems are in place.

“If we have more funds, we can travel more, hold more tournaments and have more people playing the game.”
According to the long-serving head, the association was invited to several international competitions this year, but could not attend because of lack of funds.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Ramdeen said that draughts is a cheap sport and can help to enhance community development, while fostering friendship and positive attitudes. The draughts head is hoping to make the sport truly national, but is conscious that support from the government and corporate Guyana is imperative.

For 2019, the association will try to spread the game to different communities, especially those which have active sports clubs. Ramdeen has already earmarked the indigenous community of Orealla in Berbice, but will also look to target other indigenous communities.
“If we can get the government and corporate entities to assist us, I think it will motivate more people to join.”

100-SQUARE BOARDS
Meanwhile Mark Brathwaite will continue his reign as champion of the 100-square boards tournament after dominating the last day of the annual national championship on Sunday at the National Gymnasium.

Brathwaite amassed eight points, from four wins in five games. Khemraj Pooranmall, who won the A division the weekend before, finished second. Pooranmall tallied seven points, while Ramdeen finished with five points. Steve Bacchus ended in fourth place after scoring two wins.
All top four players were awarded with trophies sponsored by Atlantic Marine Supplies Inc. and RUBiS Bel Air.