All Cayo Competition March 14, 2009

This team will represent Cayo District at the up-coming Chess Olympiad on April 25th, 2009.



Winners from the East and West Cayo tournaments met at the final “All Cayo District” tournament to determine the players who will represent Cayo district at the 2nd National Chess Olympiad on Saturday, April 25th, 2009. There were 36 players representing the following schools: Belize Christian Academy, primary and HS division, Belmopan Comprehensive School, Bishop Martin, Bueno Vista, United Evergreen, San Martin, Our Lady of Guadeloupe, Ontario, Santa Elena, St Andrews, St Barnabas and Succotz. Congratulations to all the participants!Between the rounds, players were engaged in solving puzzles, practicing with each other, as well as being coached. All the players had access to the additional instruction provided by 3 of the community chess coach volunteers, who assisted all the players regardless of which club they belonged.
This event was run by the Belize National Youth Chess Foundation staff and community volunteers: parents, teachers, Caves Branch guides and Peace Corps volunteers.

All Cayo Chess Tournament Results:

8 years old and under
1st place: Gabirel Cocom, 6 years old, United Evergreen School, 2nd place: Jeremy Chiang, 8 years old, Belize Christian Academy, 3rd place: Jaheed Palacio, 8 years old, Our Lady of Guadeloupe
9 and 10 years old
1st place: Joshua Chiang, Belize Christian Academy, 2nd place: Brent Coombs, Bishop Martin , 3rd place: Eric Lee, St Andrews. For the Chess Olympiad, Richard Beane(4th place) will take place of Eric Lee, who will be out of the country.
11 and 12 years old:
1st place: Jamir Sanchez, Bishop Martin, 2nd place: Cesar Gonzales, St Barnabas, 3rd place: Gareth Martinez, St Barnabas
13 and older
1st place: Akeem Jenkins, United Evergreen, 2nd place: Clifford Coleman, Ontario, 3rd place: Said Awe, St BarnabasFemale best players:
1st place: Amani Coombs, Belize Christian Academy HS, 2nd place: Maricella Cocom, Belmopan Comprehensive School, 3rd place: Elida Frutos, St BarnabasBianca Sanchez and Lucienne Bacab will be joining the Girls-only team for the Olympiad, while Maricella Cocom, will be part of the high school team.

Special acknowledgement is given to the families of Cocom, Palacio, Coombs and Chacon for their exceptional efforts in promoting family and community chess and their participation in all Cayo chess events.