Koronadal to host 'Chess the Red Cross Way'

KORONADAL, the “Sports Mecca of the South”, takes its turn as the newest chess hub in Mindanao with the staging of the "Chess the Red Cross Way” tournament on Oct. 18-19 at the South Cotabato Gymnasium and Cultural Center.

Hosted by the One Chess Movement in cooperation with the Koronadal Chess Club, the two-day, fund-raising competition will bring together most of the country’s top players to the capital city of South Cotabato noted for its lush, tropical rainforests in the highlands and breathtaking Siok and Millenium waterfalls.

Main beneficiary of the event is the Philippine Red Cross South Cotabato Chapter.

The Provincial Government of South Cotabato, headed by Gov. Reynaldo Tamayo Jr. and Rep. Ferdinand Hernandez, and the City Government of Koronadal, headed by Mayor Atty. Eliordo Ogena are fully supporting the event aimed at promoting chess development and providing a platform that would inspire humanitarian efforts.

Well-known chess patron and tournament organizer Joselito Dormitorio said part of the chess advocacy is to help Red Cross South Cotabato Chapter boost life-saving services, that include disaster response, and health and community assistance in the region.

“We’re playing chess the Red Cross way. Play chess and save a life,” said Dormitorio.

The champion in the team category will bring home the lion’s share of P100,000.

The runner-up and the third placer will receive P50,000 and P25,000, respectively.

The fourth placer will pocket P15,000, while the fifth to eighth placers will earn P8,000.

Cash prizes, trophies and medals will be given to the top finishers in the individual, 18-under and 13-under categories.

Registration fee is P5,000 (onsite) or P4,000 (online).

In the 13U Juniors Team, registration fee is P400 The Individual and 18U Juniors Open will have P300 and P200 registration fees, respectively. Registrations are open until Oct. 16.

Organizers, however, said players who want to form a team, but lack sponsors to pay the registration fee of P4,00 can still join the tournament for free by simply visiting the nearest Red Cross office and donate blood.

"Secure a receipt and send it to the organizers. We will even give you free meals and a place to stay if your team qualifies for the semi-finals the next day. Play chess and save a life,” said Dormitorio.

Payments for participation could be made via Dormitorio’s Gcash account number (0949-374-1967).(DAS)

Koronadal City