Para chessfest for women on today

FEMALE chess players with disabilities will have their chance to shine at the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and Pilipinas Para Games-backed chess tournament dubbed as Para Chess in Women Sports today, July 15, at the Athlete's Dining Hall of PhilSports Complex in Pasig City.

On-site registration starts at 8 a.m.

BLIND CHESSER Kyla Jane Langue will compete in the completely blind category at the Para Chess in Women Sports tournament, today, July 15, 2023, at the Athlete’s Dining Hall of PhilSports Complex in Pasig City. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

The one-day event is inspired by the success of the country's para pawn pushers on the international stage, said National Master James Infiesto, coach of the Philippine para chess team.

Infiesto said the tournament is open to players under the categories of visually impaired, partially blind, completely blind and physically impaired who are not members of the national team.

“Members of the national paralympic team are no longer allowed to play as we give chance to promising and mostly undiscovered talents from the different provinces in the country,” said Infiesto.

“Members in the Philippine para chess team may play in the exhibition games that may be considered as fun games as part of celebration of para women in sports.”

Among the players expected to join the chessfest are Abigail Magno, Alibelle Magno, Catherine Ramos, Glory Fe Nogaliza and Kyla Jane Langue of Metro Manila, Yolanda Pespes of Baguio City and the students of the Special School Division of Dasmariñas, Cavite.

PSC commissioners Olivia “Bong” Coo and Walter Torres, Philippine Paralympic Committee president Michael Barredo and National Council on Disability Affairs executive director Joniro Fradejas have been invited to deliver inspirational messages to the participants during the opening and closing ceremonies.