first book

It was finally finished, proofread and ready to be printed!

Our fist Chess workbook that was written, created in Belize and illustrated by our own artists. You can see the faces of artists below.

As you know during the summer chess art camp at Sibun Lodge, the following students worked very hard on illustrating first Belizean chess workbook:

Albert Cus- Toledo

Fitzroy Chan- Stann Creek

Omar Pulido - Cayo

Rasheed Palacio - Cayo

Wilson Cruz- Cayo

This books is intended for children and adults who want to learn chess. It is fun to read and teaches you more than just chess-teaches you history and geography as well. See few images from the book and illustrators at work:

During the illustration process all the illustrators had to do research in the art and history books, so that the images that they were creating would fit into the geographical locations mentioned in the story.

Special Thanks to Becki and John Shannon's family! They were driving everyday with their own kids to the camp, so that they could guide us all in the right direction, they stayed extra hours to review the work that was done during the day. THANK YOU!

Becki at work

Dec 11th holiday tournament

135 players from all the districts arrived to compete in the Holiday Team tournament. Each team consisted of 4 players under 17 years old and one player of 18 years old or older. It was a terrific day of arts, puzzles, Christmas cookies and of course CHESS!

All districts participated in this tournament and the competition was tough:

Best female players

Nia Beane, Xena Zul, Vanessa Cucul, Michealynn Young, Maricela Cocom and Rosana Chun

Winners of the adult section:

Winners of 15- 17 ears old section:

1.Alfred Awe

2.Juan Vernon

3. Javier Lisbey

Winners of the 13-14 year old section:

1. Steve Flowers

2. Dolores Sho

3.Brandon Marsden

4. Pablo Bo

Winners of the 11 and 12 years old section:

1. Jerome Sho

2. Carlos Cocom

3. Lloyd Augustine

4. Briceno Choc

5. Erwin Wills

6. Dwayne Rodriguez

Winners of 10 years old section:

1.Ivan Pixabaj

2. Kareem Jenkins

3. Jaheed Palacio

4.Keiderre Loria

5. Vincent Hulse

Winners of 9 and under section:

1.Gabriel Cocom

2. Kenrick Fransisco

3. Jovel Chiac

4. Dondre Augustine

Team winners: 1st place was share by the team from Belize City ( Belize one) and Stann Creek ( Mighty Knights)

2nd place team winner: Chess Family one from Cayo

3rd place team winner: Chess Family two also from Cayo

4th place team winner: San Ignacio Team:

It is great to see our young players participating in such a difficult tournament: Gabriel Cocom - 8, Nia Beane- 7 years old and the yongest player in that tournament- Zahira Chun- 6 years old.

There was an excellent participation of the Golden Kings and Queens team:

This was a great Holiday event- thank you to all the players, coaches and parents!

In addition to that, Brian Chun, Stann Creek Chess Association Chairman, as well as President of Belize Chess Federation, received a Chess Table( Hand made by David Coombs) in recognition of his outstanding dedication to the work with young chess players of his district.