Ten S’wakians chosen for chess c’ship for disabled’s grand final in KL

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(From right) Termizi receives the trophy and certificate from Loh, witnessed by the event’s organising chairman and Lions Club of Kuching City president Matthew Pham.

KUCHING (Jan 30): The Third Malaysia Lions International Chess Championship for the Disabled Sarawak Region concluded yesterday, with the Top 10 Sarawakian players having made the cut for the grand final in Kuala Lumpur this March 19.

The state regional leg, which took place at Vivacity Megamall here, kicked off with the preliminary round that gathered a total 19 differently-abled players including those with visual and hearing impairments.

Lions District 308-A2 Governor Kapitan Connie Loh, in her speech, thanked the organiser District 308 A2 Region 1 Lions Club for holding the tournament, adding that she was inspired by the competitive spirit and enthusiasm shown by the participants.

“One of the beautiful things about chess is that there are no physical limitations – anyone can play the game including the differently-abled individuals.”

Loh also highlighted all Lions’ duties of ‘serving the community unconditionally, and carrying out high-impact projects for society’.

The collaborating partners of the event were Sarawak Chess Association and Sarawak Sports, and also Recreation Association for Individuals with Disability led by president Matthew Chin.

In his speech, Chin hailed the competition as a very commendable initiative, meant to include the differently-abled people into society.

“Today, we have a lot of people coming together. This championship empowers the differently-abled individuals to participate in normal community events, and provides opportunities for them to take part in healthy and meaningful activities.”

Termizi Yusuf was named the Sarawak Region chess champion, with Muhammad Adib Rusydan Suharman and Lau Yok Yok placing the respective first and second runner-up.

Termizi, aged 67, was also the oldest participant.

Seven consolation prizes were presented to Ezwany Osman, Madang Ding Anyi, Johannes Gabriel Chew, Maoh Janting, Agsemper Manyud, Watson Manda Edwin and Sadun Julen.

The grand final would be staged at Berjaya Times Square in Kuala Lumpur this March 19.