The magic of chess speaks for itself when children participate in the game-science, as in the case of this morning of the IV El Llobregat Open Chess Tournament.
María Antonia Barragán (center), councilor of Sports of Sant Boi’s town council, has accompanied the families of the boys and girls who have participated in the 2nd School Chess Tournament U16 El Llobregat. Photo: Patricia Claros Aguilar (@Patriciaajedrez).
For us, it is an honor and a pleasure to have the support of the city of Sant Boi, expressed in the person of Maria Antonia Barragan, Councillor for Sports, who has accompanied the families of the participants of this edition. His willingness to continue supporting the promotion of chess is clear. In a kind interview for El Llobregat, he told us: “In Sant Boi we have many children learning chess in schools. Playing here, close to the international titled players, generates a lot of illusion for them”. He also shared with us his vision of chess: “It is a great tool to develop the mind and the maturity of emotions. In chess, age does not matter and young people set their own goals, which are usually first to beat a federated or an adult person”. When asked about the new habits after the pandemic, she pointed out that the boom of online chess, as it does not require the family to travel to practice this sport, encourages intergenerational meetings. To this end, the sports councilor pointed out that this helps young people to encourage volunteering and the practice of accompanying the elderly alone.
The event consisted of two different tournaments, one for young federated players and the other one for those who are just starting to play chess. We wanted the children to feel the experience of playing in the same rooms that serve as a playground for international graduates. We believe that it can be a motivation for the benefit of their progress as young chess players and as people.
In the sports part, the federated group, with 41 participants, was won by Ani Vardanyan (6 p.), from C. E. Peona i Peó. The runner-up was Mateu López (5.5 p.), from C. E. Tres Peons. Third place went to Narek Danielyan (5.5 p.), from the Associació Cultural Armènia.
The non-federated group, with 65 participants, had as protagonists the brothers Jan (champion) and Enric (runner-up) Valera, followed by Leo Ruiz from Adana. It so happens that all three represent the same school, Col-legi Joan Bardina.
AC Mane Amirkhanyan, AC Guillem Cintas Zuazua (main referee) and AS Anna Bonals Roca. Photo: Patricia Claros Aguilar (@Patriciaajedrez).
Chief arbiter AC Guillem Cintas Zuazua, AC Mane Amirkhanyan and AS Anna Bonals Roca have bridged the gap between elite and beginner chess. We would like to thank our refereeing team for their dedication and enthusiasm.
Our kind sponsors show their logos at the Llobregat Open Chess Tournament. Photo: Patricia Claros Aguilar (@Patriciaajedrez).
By Jorge I. Aguadero Casado, Editor-in-Chief of Peón de Rey
