Battle of the Brains: Chess Tournament for a Cause

Are you a chess lover who wants to test your skills and support a noble cause at the same time? If yes, then you should not miss the ‘Battle of the Brains: Chess Tournament for a Cause’ on August 26, 2023, at the Tagbilaran City Hall Atrium, Bohol.

This event is organized by the Bohol Youth Chess Association (BYCA), a non-government organization that aims to promote chess as a sport and a tool for mental development among the youth. The tournament is open to all chess enthusiasts, from novices to masters, who are divided into two categories: junior (21 years old and below) and senior (22 years old and above).

The tournament format is a Rapid Swiss System, with seven rounds and a 15-15 time control, ensuring an exciting, quick-paced event. The top three winners in each category will receive cash prizes of ₱2,000, ₱1,500, and ₱1,000 respectively. The registration fee is ₱250 per player, or ₱200 for those who bring their own chess mat and clock.

But the real winner of this event is not the one who takes home the trophy, but the one who gives back to the community. The proceeds of this tournament will go to the upcoming medical mission of BYCA, called ‘Nakita Tika’, which means ‘I see you’ in Cebuano. This mission aims to provide free eye health check-ups and eyeglasses to underprivileged elderly people, particularly fishermen and farmers over the age of 55, who suffer from poor vision due to age-related or occupational factors.

According to Carmel Stella Migriño, the president of BYCA and the main organizer of the tournament, this mission is inspired by her grandfather, who was a fisherman and lost his sight due to cataracts. She said that she wanted to help other elderly people who have similar problems and improve their quality of life.

The ‘Nakita Tika’ mission is supported by various sponsors and partners, such as the City Government of Tagbilaran, the Bohol Provincial Youth Development Office, Tropical Shores- Becca Cafe x Bistro, Brow Clinic and Beauty Lounge, CPG Chess Club, BAYCE Chess Club, and BISU Balilihan.

If you are interested in joining the ‘Battle of the Brains: Chess Tournament for a Cause’, you can register online through this [link]. You can also pay your registration fee through GCASH or BDO UNIBANK using the account details provided in the [registration form].

For inquiries and concerns, please contact Regine Remulta, the project chairman of BYCA, at 0936 529 4821. You can also follow their [Facebook page] for more updates and announcements.