OSTİM Organized Industrial Zone, one of Turkey's oldest industrial centers, hosted a unique event. A Chess Festival was organized under the auspices of the Zone Directorate with the support of the Turkish Chess Federation. At the festival, 110 young athletes from Ankara and other cities showcased their skills.
The young players impressed everyone with their attention to detail and strategies in the competitions officiated by official referees of the Turkish Chess Federation. At the end of the event, which took place in four different categories and was eagerly followed by families, the top three boys and girls were awarded prizes.
The competitions were held over 5 rounds according to the Swiss system. Category 1 included athletes born between 2010-2009, Category 2 included those born between 2008-2007, Category 3 included those born between 2006-2005, and Category 4 included those born between 2004-2003. Three female and three male athletes from each category received trophies, gifts, and medals.
Providing information about the event, Roza Karaibrahimoğlu, Chess Director of OSTİMSPOR Club, stated that their aim was to encourage children to play chess. Karaibrahimoğlu said: “I congratulate OSTİMSPOR Club for taking the lead in this. The primary purpose of the festival is to identify talented and promising children and prepare them for national and international competitions as licensed athletes on behalf of OSTİMSPOR Club. Our goal is to train students who will achieve worldwide success within the first two years. We are receiving very positive feedback, especially from families. A pleasant environment has been provided in OSTİM OSB for our children, who are the guarantee of our future. I would like to thank the OSTİM OSB Regional Directorate, the OSTİMSPOR Management, and everyone who contributed.”
Engin Güleç, the Ankara Provincial Representative of the Turkish Chess Federation, also stated that the Federation contributes in terms of referees and preparation. Güleç said, “The aim here is to popularize chess. Interest in chess is increasing every day. The halls are becoming too small for us. Every child who plays chess has a more developed mathematical intelligence than those who don't. I would like to thank the club and OSTİM OSB for their support and the facilities they provide.”
