By Jacob Ajom
From next week, students from 13 secondary schools from both Lagos Island and the mainland will begin the second edition of Price Waterhouse Coopers’ sponsored chess tournament, known as Chess 4 Change.

According to the organisers, Mediavision, the event which will last for four months will involve numerous activities including organising special chess lessons for participating schools, during which they will be taught the basics of the sport and prepare them for the tournament.

A representative of Mediavision said at a media briefing in Lagos yesterday that  “the tournament will last for four months with schools competing among themselves and some will be eliminated along the way. Outstanding schools and students come together for the Grand Slam.”

He said in last year’s tournament, outstanding schools and students won prizes and equipment.

“Top 10 scholars were given individual prizes while the top 10 schools were rewarded with equipment which included computers, internet services, I-pads, phones, etc. This year will not be different.”

The sponsors, PWC distributed chess equipment and computers to all participating schools promising to do more for schools that excel in the tournament.

Speaking at the event a director from the Lagos State Ministry of Education, Babs Akinyeye said the Chess 4 Change tournament was the best thing that happened to Lagos schools in recent times. “Chess is very important. I thank Mediavision and PWC for thinking about the future of Nigeria. Chess is good for these kids as it helps them think deep and focused.”