Mayor, lawmaker to grace summer chess opening

CAGAYAN de Oro City Mayor Vicente Emano and his son Misamis Oriental Representative Yevgeny "Bambi" Emano (2nd district) are expected to grace the opening of the 1st Mayor's Cup Summer chess tournament here at the SM City today, Friday.

"Barring unforeseen glitches, maka-uban gyod nato ang amahan ug anak sama sa niaging opening sa atong inter-barangay basketball sa SM City," overall event coordinator Gerardo "Boboy" Sabal told Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro.

The younger Emano, who also bankrolled the province's ongoing summer sports clinics in six events, earlier said that providing the youth a wholesome activity where they can showcase their potential is vital in building a progressive community.

"Before nagsulod ko sa pulitika until now part na gyod ang sports sa akong kinabuhi. Maayo ang epekto niini physically and mentally mao nga ato usab i-share sa uban natong kaigsoonan," then said Emano in a casual talk with this writer.

Around 400 young and old woodpushers, who are bonafide residents of Cagayan de Oro, are deemed to duel it out in the summer chessfest with juicy cash prizes at stake and free shirts to be given before the opening round matches.

The competition has no registration fee.

Aside from the open division, featuring the city's titled players and top non masters, exciting events in the age-group level is also set to enliven the summer chess festival.

"Alegre sab kaayo ‘ning sa age-group level kay atong mga top kiddies and juniors nga nakadula na sa gawas (Asean chess) ingon man ang mga veteran Palaro players nga bag-o lang gyod naka-abot from the annual national students meet in Lingayen, Pangasinan nagpalista na usab nga motampo," said tournament director Lorenzo "Jun" Cuizon.