Abalayan: Davao para-chessers bracing for action

FOR the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic struck in March 2020, the national para games chessfest will be held online through the 2021 Philippine Sports Commission – Pilipinas Para Games (PPG) Online Chess Competition slated to start on November 19.

It can be recalled that the annual sportsfest for differently-abled athletes was scrapped last year due to the pandemic.

A lean but mean three-member Davao City para-chess team will see action and vie for honors in the games.

Philippine Sports Association for the Differently-Abled (Philspada) Davao president James Infiesto, who is also National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) regional coordinator, said he's confident with the city's chess roster as they were all 2019 Philippine National Para Games medalists.

He was pertaining to 2019 Gold medalist for B1 (visually impaired) Aldrin Paña. Other B1 Men players are Julius Calonia and Danilo Partoza. For PI (physically impaired men), Jubert Lomanta will show his wares.

The three Dabawenyos are expected to pull off surprises in the online chessfest that has attracted over 150 participants who will also compete in visually impaired B1 completely blind women, visually impaired B2 partially blind men, visually impaired B2 partially blind women, and physically impaired women categories.

Philippine Sports Commissioner (PSC) Commissioner Arnold Agustin said the 2021 Philippine Sports Commission – Pilipinas Para Games aims to continue efforts to address the need for a truly comprehensive grassroots sports development program for para-athletes, and harness their full potential.

The nationwide chess tournament was originally set in three regional legs.

The PPG is held in partnership with the Philippine Paralympic Committee and the Integrated Philippine Association of Optometrists on the classification of registered para-athletes.

Medals, certificates of excellence, and cash incentives await the winners.

The best of luck to all Davao para-athletes!