Cuban chess revival

22/10/08 Time 09:53
Chess Tournament Begun by Che Revived in Havana

A chess match for teams representing government agencies, similar to those organized by Ernesto Che Guevara in 1961, will get underway on Saturday in Havana at the Museum of the Revolution.

This would be a remake of the event first inaugurated by Che on June 6, 1961. The objective is to encourage the practice of chess on the island, something that the guerrilla fighter dreamed of during the early days of the Cuban Revolution.

“Naturally, chess is a hobby, but it is also a teacher of reason, and the countries that have good chess teams also lead the world in other more important spheres,” Che told enthusiasts who had embraced the game.

Years have passed, but fortunately we have experienced tremendous development in the game thanks to both the Cuban Federation and the Latin American Higher Institute of Chess (ISLA). They are organizing this upcoming competition in two segments -– one for workers and the other one for students.

This latter group will include players with chess ELO rankings and those who belong to student organizations, as well as the talents representing ISLA, the Capablanca Club and the Sports Federation in Havana. In addition, there will be strong teams from the University of Computer Sciences, the Caribbean Athletes Association and the University of Havana.

Source: http://www.radionuevitas.co.cu/