Qatar Chess Association (QCA) announced on Wednesday the signing of a co-operation and strategic partnership agreement with Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, aiming to introduce the game of chess into schools and academies affiliated with the Qatar Foundation (QF).
The partnership agreement covers mutual cooperation in line with QCA’s objectives aimed at spreading the game of chess and its culture across schools and academies. This aims at increasing the numbers of chess players across different age groups in local tournaments, in addition to increasing the number of registered and ranked players at the International Chess Federation.
The agreement contributes to promoting chess in QF schools through organizing courses to teach chess to teachers, providing training certificates, establishing chess clubs in schools, and supplying chess equipment to students.
Mohamed al-Mudahka, QCA President, pointed out that the cooperation between QCA and QF aims to achieve many objectives, mostly spreading chess culture in schools and expanding its horizons, especially as it is part of a comprehensive educational programme. He also appreciated the significant cooperation with the Student Affairs and Community Engagement Pre University Education at QF, expressing his hopes for further collaboration to help QCA in achieving its vision and developing chess to build a large base for it.
Al-Mudahka further said that studies have clearly shown that chess significantly enhances students’ mental abilities, leading to improved academic performance. Accordingly, QCA is keen on using the game as an educational tool for schoolchildren to enhance their thinking skills, physical abilities, and self-confidence through the implementation of a scientific educational project.
Meanwhile, Sara al-Hajri, Director of Student Affairs and Community Engagement Pre University Education at QF, said that this cooperation reflects QF strong commitment to providing diverse opportunities to enrich student participation, as chess enhances vital skills such as strategic thinking, thus promoting academic and personal development for students. She added: “We look forward to the positive impact this cooperation will have on our students, as this agreement represents one of the results of joint cooperation during this year’s National Sport Day.”
Abdullah Shaheen al-Kaabi, Head of the Sports Affairs Section at Student Affairs and Community Engagement Pre University Education at QF, expressed his great happiness at such cooperation for its various positive outcomes. He also thanked QCA for supporting the students who represented the Qatari team in the recent Gulf Youth Games held in the UAE, and their success in winning numerous medals in individual and team competitions.
