Don't miss the chess opportunity

Today I'm gonna gripe a bit about parents whose kids are into chess. I'd like to ask them: what’s going on? Why are you not taking advantage of this Eighth Eastern Asia Youth Chess Championship that's being played on our shores? Imagine, we have a top-notch FIDE-sanctioned international-level chess competition for junior chess players happening on our shores and there are only a handful of Malaysians playing. At the last count, only 48, while players from the eastern Asian countries numbered at least 200. Why, we should be registering close to 100 Malaysian players! Come on, parents, don’t let your kids miss out! The closing date is 23 June 2024. Still not too late to sign up. Trust me, it’s worth it.

Let me give parents some reasons why the championship would benefit their children:

• Supercharging their brains: Chess is like a workout for the brain. It helps kids get better at thinking ahead, solving problems and making smart decisions. Plus, it's great for building memory and attention skills. 
• Aceing those classes: Believe it or not, kids who play chess often do better in school, especially in mathematics and science. Chess helps them develop skills that translate to the classroom, like concentration and logical thinking.
• Meeting new buddies: The championship is a great place for kids to meet other young chess enthusiasts from all over the region. It’s awesome for making new friends and learning to socialise with people from different backgrounds.
• Learning life skills: Chess teaches kids patience and the value of thinking things through before acting. These are super important skills that help in all areas of life.
• Feeling like a champ: Competing on an international stage can do wonders for a kid’s confidence. Winning games, or just playing well, helps them feel good about themselves.
• Exploring different cultures: Kids get to interact with peers from various countries, learning about different cultures and broadening their horizons. It’s like travelling the world without leaving the chessboard.
• Scholarship potential: Being good at chess can open doors to scholarships and other educational opportunities. Schools and universities love talented chess players.
• Bouncing back stronger: Chess teaches kids how to handle both wins and losses gracefully. They learn to stick with it, even when the going gets tough, building resilience.
• Keeping their minds sharp: Chess is fantastic mental exercise. It keeps kids' brains active and healthy, which is great for their overall development.
• Enjoying the game: At the end of the day, chess is fun! It’s a game that keeps kids entertained and always learning.

So, don’t let this opportunity slip away. Sign your kids up for the Eastern Asia Youth Chess Championship before the 23rd of June. It’s not just about winning—it’s about helping them grow in all sorts of ways, from school success to life skills. Plus, it’s a whole lot of fun and opens up a world of opportunities!

REGISTRATION: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSezTSoaDSJhU0DNCGOGlTWMg2p_Ec8VUzQbFEYBf86Le3BEDw/viewform