WITH the all-out support of City Mayor Vicente Y. Emano, there's no turning back for the return of the prestigious Shell Youth Active Chess in Cagayan de Oro City on September 11-12 at the fully-air conditioned City Tourism Hall.
The Cagayan de Oro leg of the keenly-awaited Shell chessfest expects a maximum field of 500 entries in the kiddies (14-under) and junior (20-under) divisions.
"Pag-aprob sa mayor, automatic na usab nga aprobado na nga walay problema kanamo dinhe sa City Finance Office. Alang kana sa kalamboan sa atong sports sa dakbayan, so ato kanang tabangan nga kalihokan," said the amiable Dixon Baconga in fast-tracking the city's special permit for the venue's sponsorship to the City Administration Office headed by Criselda Joson.
Emano, who graced the events in the past, will be the guest speaker during the opening ceremony. He will be joined in by City Councilor Adrian Barba and City Sports Executive Director Isidro J. Borja during the awards rites.
"Chess is one sport nga ga-excel gyod ang Cagayan de Oro. And we are proud and happy sa Asset (Advance Scientific Skills Efficiency Training) program of the City Government nga suportado sa mayor ang chess nga gihimo na'ng way of life in Russia unya fit kaayo kanatong mga gagmay apan talentado nga mga pinoy," said National Chess Arbiter Lorenzo Cuizon.
With a minimal entry fee of only P50, each of the participants can avail of free Shell t-shirt and McDonald lunch, apart from the fabulous cash prizes awaiting the winners.
The top-5 finishers in the junior division will win P5,000 and trophy, P4,000 and trophy, P3,000 and trophy, P2,000 and P1,000. While the top-5 kiddie performers will receive P4,000/trophy, P3,000/trophy, P2,000/trophy, P1,000 and P500.
Top-3 qualifiers in each bracket will enjoy an-all expense paid trip to the Grand Finals in Manila along with their coaches or chaperons.