The game of chess can provide the skills necessary to hone young minds into productive citizens and can significantly impact the crime rate in time. Two young local chess champions, fresh from their Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Youth Chess Festival experience in San Jose, Costa Rica, expressed this sentiment Vat a recent press conference, where they were officially thanked by The Bahamas' Government for their stellar performances.
The game, according to Nathan Smith and Daijah Johnson, forces you to use your mind to win a battle on the game board, and can help you make better decisions in life.
Smith, the under-8 champion of the CAC Festival, the first ever CAC chess champion for The Bahamas and a home-schooled student, said: "Playing chess makes you think about every move you make, during the game and in life."
Smith participated in the nine-round tournament from December 11-15, in Costa Rica, where more than 230 players from more than 16 CAC countries took part. Smith, who just started playing chess about a year ago, is being described as a "chess phenom". With his recent victory, he will receive an official invitation to the Pan American Youth Festival in Mexico City in July 2014. Most importantly, he has met the requirements for the Candidate Master (CM) title, which must first be approved by the World Chess Federation (FIDE). No Bahamian has ever been awarded such a prestigious title.
Johnson, who placed an impressive fifth overall, said more children should play chess as, "it requires you to plan ahead for your next move."
The skills and talents that can be developed through the game should be passed on to students from a young age like the two champions, in order to create more conscious and law-abiding citizens, according to the Bahamas Chess Federation (BCF). The federation is seeking for more funding and support to help promote the game. Members want people to know that chess is a sport with international competitions and rewards that should be considered by people from all walks of life.
The young chess champions were supported by their parents and the federation during a press conference and courtesy call with the Minister of Youth, Sports & Culture, Dr. Daniel Johnson, and Director of Sports Tim Munnings. Dr. Johnson said Smith's amazing win and Johnson's commendable performance provide a wonderful opportunity for his ministry to highlight the works of athletes who are often not considered seriously for their sport.
The fact that The Bahamas pulled off a win at the CAC Youth Festival stands as proof that sports like chess should not be overlooked, but rather embraced by schools in the country. The minister called for more schools to provide opportunities for their students to participate in extra-curricular activities like chess, as they provide outlets for positive energy and lay down strong foundations for productivity as opposed to violence.
Ama Ferguson, Smith's grandmother, called for the public and private corporations to consider providing funding for the Bahamas Chess Federation to continue its work.
Andre White, federation president, was present along with secretary Nathaniel Higgs and Dr. David Sands. Committee members were present for the courtesy call and to officially congratulate the young athletes who used their minds to pull off the amazing performances.
Smith recalls that competitors from other Caribbean islands tried to use diversion and intimidation tactics to try to gain the upper hand, but he remained focused and conquered them all. It's this kind of victory that he wants other young people to experience so that they can seek positive and constructive things to do, rather than getting into trouble. Smith's parents, Henria Ferguson-Smith and Gurth Smith, expressed their pride in their son's CAC victory.
Johnson, who is the Head Girl at C.W. Sawyer Primary School, said she finds that chess helps her in home work and studying as well. She encouraged her peers to consider the sport. Her parents, Samantha Mackey and Darvin Johnson, were on-hand to support their daughter and to receive the congratulations of the minister.

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