Chess is a strategic game that has been played for centuries, and its popularity continues to grow worldwide. In Qatar, the Qatar Chess Association (QCA) recently announced a partnership with Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF) to introduce chess into schools and academies under the QF umbrella. This agreement is expected to boost the sport in the country by expanding its reach, spreading its culture, and increasing the number of practitioners participating in local tournaments.
The partnership agreement between QCA and QF aims to collaborate on various goals, including expanding the base of chess players by organizing training courses for teachers, establishing clubs in schools, and providing chess tools for students. The President of QCA, Mohammed Al Mudahka, highlighted the importance of spreading the chess culture in schools as part of a larger educational program. This initiative not only promotes the game of chess but also enhances students’ academic and personal development through strategic thinking.
QF’s Director of Student Affairs and Community Engagement, Sarah Al Hajri, emphasized the foundation’s commitment to providing diverse opportunities for student enrichment. She stated that chess can enhance vital skills such as strategic thinking, which is crucial for students’ overall development. Abdullah Shaheen Al Kaabi, Head of the Sports Affairs Section at QF, expressed his happiness with the partnership, emphasizing the importance of developing students’ mental skills and opening up opportunities in the sport of chess within QF schools.
In the past year, QCA, in collaboration with the Ministry of Sports and Youth and the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, implemented a project to establish chess clubs in several model public schools. Teachers were trained to guide students in honing their skills in the sport, further contributing to the growth and popularity of chess in Qatar. The partnership with QF is a significant step towards achieving the goals of expanding chess culture and increasing participation in the sport among students in schools and academies under the QF umbrella.
Overall, the cooperation between QCA and QF reflects a shared commitment to promoting the game of chess and enhancing educational opportunities for students in Qatar. Through training courses, club establishments, and access to chess tools, the partnership aims to introduce more students to the strategic and competitive nature of chess. By incorporating chess into the educational curriculum, students can develop essential skills that will benefit them both academically and personally. This collaboration is expected to have a positive impact on the growth and popularity of chess in Qatar, further solidifying its position as a strategic and engaging sport for all ages.
