SICF launches nationwide creative challenge to mark International Chess Day and inspire participation across Solomon Islands
BY RICHARD MENANOPO
The Solomon Islands Chess Federation (SICF) is inviting people across the country to celebrate International Chess Day by showing that the game can be played anywhere through a nationwide online creative challenge.
SICF President Simon Chottu told Island Sun that the initiative aims to take chess beyond traditional playing venues while encouraging participation from communities throughout Solomon Islands and Solomon Islanders living overseas.
“International Chess Day is about celebrating chess as a game that brings people together. We wanted to celebrate it in a uniquely Solomon Islands way by encouraging people to show where they enjoy playing chess.
“The challenge highlights our beautiful country, our diverse communities, and demonstrates that chess can be played anywhere,” Chottu said.
The Online Creative Chess Challenge will run from July 15 to 31 and is open to everyone, regardless of age or chess experience.
Participants are encouraged to set up a chessboard in a creative or meaningful location, take a photo or short video, and submit it through the federation’s Facebook inbox with their name and location.
According to Chottu, the competition reflects SICF’s “Chess for Growth” vision by making the game more accessible and encouraging greater community involvement.
“Our message is simple: chess is for everyone, everywhere. You don’t need a special venue to enjoy the game. Whether you live in the city or a remote village, chess is a tool for learning, creativity, friendship and personal growth,” he said.
Cash prizes will be awarded for the most-liked and most-shared entries, as well as the best creative photo and creative video.
Chottu said a judging panel appointed by the SICF Executive will assess the creativity categories, while the federation will monitor online engagement to ensure the competition remains fair.
He said the federation hopes to receive entries from every province and from Solomon Islanders overseas, with schools, churches, youth groups, workplaces, clubs and families all encouraged to participate.
“International Chess Day is a celebration of unity, creativity and opportunity. Through this challenge, we invite every Solomon Islander, wherever you are, to show the world that chess can be played anywhere. Join us, celebrate your community, and become part of our ‘Chess for Growth’ journey as we continue building a stronger chess family across Solomon Islands,” Chottu said.
The federation said the challenge also builds on growing interest in chess following recent national events, including the Sir Peter Kenilorea Championship, as SICF continues its efforts to expand the game into more communities and identify future talent across the country.
International Chess Day is observed annually on July 20.
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