THE GUYANA Chess Federation (GCF) will kick off its year of activities with a one-day rapid tournament under the kind sponsorship of Trophy Stall (Bourda Market and Hadi’s City Mall) this Sunday at the Carifesta Sports Complex, Carifesta Avenue, Georgetown. 

Ramesh Sunich, Managing Director of Trophy Stall today pledged his support to the GCF with sponsorship of two chess tournaments this year, with the second being a longer format that is set for later in the year.
“I support all sports and chess came to me and got my support,” Sunich declared to Shiv Nandalall, president of the GCF, before handing over the sponsorship yesterday.
Sunich stressed that he would like to see chess go to a higher level with support from Government and the business community.
“Chess is not only a game but it sharpens one’s knowledge (of aspects) of life,” he observed. Nandalall thanked the business proprietor for his commitment and for coming on board with chess for three consecutive years so far.
Players would be allotted 20 minutes per game in the seven-round tournament which will have a number of trophies and medals at stake as well as cash prizes.
Prizes would also be awarded to the Best Beginner (under 13 years of age), Best Under-16 and Best Female players. The entrance fee for the upcoming tournament is $500 for Senior non-members and $300 for Junior non-members, with registration commencing at 09:00hrs, while the first pawn will be moved one hour later.
Players are reminded to renew their membership with the GCF for 2014 and pay lower tournament fees, as members of the Federation may also become eligible to participate in tournaments overseas or vote at elections for GCF office-bearers.
The next election is set for Sunday February 2 and the annual membership fee for Seniors is $2 000 and $1 000 for Juniors (under 20 years old).