“Chess is a game by its form, an art by its content and a science by the difficulty of gaining mastery in it.” — Tigran Petrosian
On Wednesday, March 8th, 2023, the Belize Chess Federation (BCF) held its Annual General Meeting to elect new board members who will continue the mission of promoting and growing the game of chess in Belize. Representatives from Stann Creek, Cayo, Belize, and Orange Walk were present to participate in the election and discuss the current challenges facing the federation.
During the meeting, the BCF focused on several key topics that require immediate attention to improve the current state of chess in Belize. Among the issues discussed were the creation of a membership structure, the renewal of the Sports Council Certification, and the focus of the federation's rebuilding efforts on Belize, Cayo, and Orange Walk districts.
The BCF is currently faced with the challenge of building a membership structure that is inclusive and provides opportunities for all chess players in Belize. The organization aims to create a system that encourages participation in the sport at all levels, from beginners to professionals. The membership structure will enable the federation to provide better resources and support to its members.
Another topic discussed at the Annual General Meeting was the renewal of the Sports Council Certification. The certification is essential for the federation to receive financial assistance from the government and other organizations. The BCF plans to meet all requirements to ensure that the certification is renewed on time and that it can continue to receive the necessary funding to promote the growth of chess in Belize.
The BCF is also focusing its rebuilding efforts on Belize, Cayo, and Orange Walk districts. The organization believes that by concentrating its efforts in these areas, it can create a more significant impact on the growth of chess in Belize. The federation plans to collaborate with local schools, clubs, and communities to promote chess and encourage more people to participate in the sport.
Election of New Board Members
The Annual General Meeting also saw the election of new board members to lead the BCF's efforts. The board comprises individuals who bring diverse experiences and expertise to the table. The new board members elected are as follows:
BCF Board 2023 (Left to right, Michael Campos (Event Planner), Luis Mendez Jr. (Media Specialist), Alfred Awe (Advisor), Steve Flowers (President), Joshua Baeza (Vice President)
The following board members were elected to the 2023 BCF board:
New board Members
President - Steve Flowers
Vice President - Joshua Baeza
Treasurer - Marco Nabet
Secretary - Alfred Awe
Event Planner - Michael Campos
Media Specialist - Luiz Mendez Jr.
Assistant Media Specialist - Leander Campos
The newly elected board members are expected to bring fresh perspectives and ideas to tackle the current challenges facing the BCF. With the support of its members and the community, the BCF is optimistic about the future of chess in Belize and its ability to promote the sport across the country.
GM Nigel Short
In addition to the previous topics, the Belize Chess Federation also discussed two more important matters during its Annual General Meeting. Firstly, the upcoming Simul exhibition match with Grandmaster Nigel Short, one of the world's top chess players. The exhibition match is expected to be an exciting event that will help raise awareness about the sport of chess and inspire more people to take an interest in it. The BCF is working hard to ensure that the event is well-organized and that it receives maximum exposure to attract a large audience.
Secondly, the BCF discussed the importance of acquiring funding for the federation. Funding is essential for the BCF to carry out its operations, support its members, and promote the sport of chess in Belize. The federation is actively seeking funding from government agencies, corporations, and private donors. The BCF is also exploring other avenues to raise funds, such as organizing chess tournaments, offering chess classes, and selling chess-related merchandise.
In conclusion, the Belize Chess Federation's Annual General Meeting was a successful event that brought together chess enthusiasts from across the country to discuss the current challenges facing the federation. The election of new board members is a positive step forward, and the BCF is optimistic about the future of chess in Belize. The federation is also excited about the upcoming Simul exhibition match with GM Nigel Short and is actively seeking funding to support its operations and promote the sport of chess in Belize. With the support of its members and the community, the BCF is confident that it can overcome its current challenges and achieve its goal of growing chess in Belize.
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