The Ministry of Sports has announced the launch of the 'Digital School Chess League' tournament under the slogan 'Play it Right' in cooperation with the Ministry of Education, the UAE Federation for School and University Sports Institutions, and the Chess Federation. The qualifying stage of the tournament will be held on April 14 and 16, and includes three age categories: the first, second, and third cycles. Students compete in each category separately, with 6 winners from each age group qualifying over the two days for the final stage (Masters), bringing the total number of finalists to 18 players who will compete to determine the champion. The total prize money exceeds 60,000 dirhams. Sheikh Suhail bin Butti al-Maktoum, Assistant Under-Secretary for the Sports Development and Competitiveness Sector at the Ministry of Sports and President of the UAE Federation for School and University Sports Institutions, confirmed the continuation of efforts to enhance school sports in the UAE and provide opportunities for students to develop their physical and mental skills. He stated that this tournament affirms that the UAE, thanks to the support and guidance of its wise leadership, will remain a model of security and stability in all fields and reinforces the commitment of the Ministry of Sports and its partners to the continuity of sports activities and turning challenges into opportunities for innovation, including student sports activities in a safe and competitive environment during remote school hours. He noted that the event contributes to honing students' strategic thinking and decision-making skills and enhancing the talent discovery system in a competitive atmosphere across all educational stages, driven by their belief that the process of creating a champion begins at school, emphasizing the crucial role of the family in supporting children and encouraging them to develop their physical and mental talents. In turn, Engineer Mohammed Al-Qasim, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Education, explained that the launch of the Digital School Chess League embodies the Ministry's direction towards providing a supportive and stimulating educational environment that enhances the quality of life for students. He pointed out that focusing on mind sports, with chess at the forefront, helps develop thinking, analysis, and decision-making skills, boosts students' competitiveness, and gives them broader opportunities to discover their abilities and polish their talents through innovative methods that encourage creativity and positive challenges. He mentioned that the initiative is the fruit of a national strategic partnership that reflects the integration of roles among concerned institutions, opening wider horizons for students to have rich educational experiences that enhance their life skills, support positive values, and provide them with space for interaction, exchanging experiences, and building relationships based on constructive competition.
