Sports Commission reinforces partnership with Chess Federation

Representatives of the Sports Commission and the Guyana Chess Federation

In a strong show of support for the sport, Director of Sport Mr Steve Ninvalle met with executives of the Guyana Chess Federation (GCF) last Tuesday at the National Sports Commission (NSC) to reaffirm his commitment to the nationwide development of chess.
The meeting proved to be a productive and collaborative engagement, focusing on streamlining efforts to accelerate the growth of chess across several regions, Guyana’s participation in upcoming international competitions, and the continued development of young talent within the chess community.

GCF President Anand Raghunauth reflected on the federation’s activities throughout 2025, highlighting recent successes at the Inter-Guiana Games and the hosting of the CARICOM Classic Chess Tournaments. He also outlined a comprehensive plan for 2026, aimed at expanding chess programmes in Regions Three, Six and Ten, while strengthening training and development initiatives for young children—particularly girls—within the chess community.

Raghunauth identified several key areas where additional support is required to effectively execute chess activities in outlying regions throughout the year. In response, Assistant Directors Ms Melissa Dow-Richardson and Mr Franklin Wilson, who were also present at the meeting, committed to assisting the federation in securing suitable regional venues. They further reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the construction of a new chess building, which is scheduled to be completed by late 2026.
Mr Ninvalle commended the executive for its sustained efforts in elevating the standard of chess over the years and expressed his pleasure at the federation’s recent success at the Inter-Guiana Games. He reiterated that the NSC remains a responsive and inclusive partner, ensuring that its resources are fully available to support the sport’s continued development.

In a significant boost for the federation, the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall has been made available to the GCF for upcoming tournaments by the NSC. This gesture is particularly welcomed, as the federation has faced increasing challenges in securing venues large enough to accommodate its expanding events. The GCF expressed its gratitude to the Director and his team for their hospitality and continued support of chess in Guyana. (GCF)