Press Release

PH WINS IN 2ND INTERCONTINENTAL ONLINE CHAMPIONSHIP FOR PRISONERS

Chicago, 26 October 2022 - The male team from the General Santos City Jail bagged the first place for the men’s category in the 2nd Intercontinental Online Championship for Prisoners held from 13 to 14 October 2022. The event was organized by the Cook County Department of Corrections and the Fédération Internationale des Échecs (FIDE), also known as the International Chess Federation, in observance of the International Day of Education in Prisons.

Cook County Sheriff Thomas J. Dart (sixth from left), ATN Officer Eunika Lesli R. Leyva-Tiongco (sixth from right),
Cook County Sheriff's Office personnel and Chicago Consular Corps members

According to FIDE’s website , the Philippine team defeated Colombia during the finals of the male category. Placing only fifth last year, the male team prepared well and was even trained by some of the Philippines' strong chess masters, including Winston Silva, Shrihaan Poddar and Cedrix Cabangal, FIDE likewise shared. The team members watched chess tutorial videos and analyzed chess games in preparation for the tournament.

For the female category, Mongolia was declared the champion, its second since it also took the gold from the inaugural event last year.

Over 85 teams composed of inmates from 46 countries took part in the said online event among correctional facilities via Chess.com. During the closing ceremonies, FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich remarked, “We all hope that at some moment of your life, you will be free to make your own choices, and chess will help you to make those choices rationally."

The Philippine Consulate General in Chicago, represented by Assistance-to-Nationals (ATN) Officer Eunika Lesli R. Leyva-Tiongco, joined the opening ceremonies, together with the Chicago Consular Corps members, on 13 October 2022 at the Cook County Jail in Chicago, Illinois. The management of the Cook County Jail views chess as an effective activity in facilitating its rehabilitation programs. Its chess program was introduced by Cook County Sheriff Thomas J. Dart more than 10 years ago. END