National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters Launches Second Chess Championship with Players from Various Ages and Nationalities
The National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters launched today, Monday, the events of the second edition of the Chess Championship, held at the Modern Art Museum and running until August 27, in collaboration with the Bayt Al-Shatranj Academy. The tournament features broad participation from individuals of various nationalities and age groups.
The championship aligns with the Council’s commitment to supporting intellectual and cultural activities that contribute to developing strategic thinking, analytical, and creative skills, while enhancing the presence of chess as a mental sport that brings together diverse segments of society.
The event is organized in partnership with the Bayt Al-Shatranj Academy, founded by international chess arbiter and tournament director Bashayer Al-Zaid. It is the first specialized chess academy in Kuwait, accredited and licensed by the Public Authority for Sport.
The Academy plays a key role in promoting chess culture and practice among various societal groups, while preparing players and nurturing talent through specialized training programs. It also organizes internationally rated and FIDE-accredited tournaments throughout the year, alongside local unrated tournaments featuring players of different ages and nationalities.
Speaking to the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), Al-Zaid stated that the championship is divided into five different age categories. The competition begins with the under-8 category, followed by under-12, under-17, and the adult category, alongside a special women’s tournament scheduled for Friday.
For her part, Hanan Al-Anzi, owner and founder of Jisr Al-Global Consulting Services, told KUNA that her company is participating as a media sponsor, emphasizing its commitment to supporting initiatives that serve society and promote concepts of inclusion and empowerment.
Al-Anzi noted that the company has numerous initiatives both within Kuwait and abroad aimed at supporting, integrating, and empowering persons with disabilities, in addition to its interest in sports, social, economic, and developmental initiatives that enhance their active participation in society.
For his part, Obaid Al-Shammari, owner and founder of Al-Sadr Reserve in Kuwait, told KUNA that his participation comes as one of the tournament’s supporters, stressing the importance of backing individual sports and events that foster community participation and support the integration of persons with disabilities.
Al-Shammari added that such events provide opportunities for participants to exchange experiences and contribute to strengthening social interaction and mutual acquaintance among Kuwaitis and residents of various nationalities. He affirmed that the championship represents a model of family, community, and human cohesion.
He emphasized that Kuwaiti society is rich in energies and capabilities, and that everyone is capable of achievement and creativity when given the right opportunity. He expressed his hope for the continued support of such initiatives, which highlight the creativity of various societal segments.
He clarified that his support for the championship includes providing gifts to participants and prizes to the top three finishers in all categories, encouraging them to continue playing the game and achieving further accomplishments.
