Dubai: Some 20 students completed an eight-week chess training course at the Iqra'a Arabic Language Centre at the Sunset Mall in Jumeirah.
The participants, composed of children from 6-10 years old, took lessons on the basic principles of chess under the guidance of International Master (IM) Iva Videnova and National Instructor (NI) Haifa Sultan Al Ali of the Dubai Chess and Culture Club.
Yahya Mohammed Saleh, Planning and Development Director of the Dubai Chess and Culture Club, said the partnership with Iqra’a was an important element in the club’s grassroots development programme.
He said dozens of children have benefited from the program since it was started in November last year.
“Chess helps children improve their intellectual abilities and competency,” said Saleh. “
We have received very positive response from parents in the community and the children have been very enthusiastic about the programme as well. We will continue to expand our grassroots training program and reach out to more communities in the emirate.”
Saleh also commended the efforts of the club's new and young trainers such as Haifa Sultan Al Ali, who he said are instrumental in the success of the program.
Haifa Sultan received her NI title from the International Chess Federation after attending a seminar organised by Dubai Chess and Culture in July and passing the subsequent examination.
