2nd Annual Belize Educators Chess Symposium forteachers, principals, parents and community volunteerstook place on Oct 10th, 2009 in George Price Centre, BelmopanThis was our Unique Chance to meet International GrandmasterMaurice Ashley
Our Ultimate Chess Player GM Maurice Ashley
Grand Master Maurice Ashley, an incredible motivational speaker, came to Belize by the invitation of BNYCF to talk about chess benefits, share his life story and explain why chess is a great educational and motivational tool that should be embraced by parents and teachers. He liked that our program is determined to turn the whole generation of children into chess players, not for the sake of growing Grandmasters, but for the sake of bringing to children all the benefits that chess entails. "Did the game save my life? These words may be too strong. But chess so informed and influenced everything about my life that I can say, without exaggeration, that I would not be the person I am today had it not been for this ancient game."
It was an amazing experience, believe me! It was incredible to see 325 people in the audience who came that day to the event from all over the country ...
Maurice Ashley talked about the qualities that the Ultimate Chess Players should have. He is a sort of person who doesn't like just to talk, he is always ready to prove his points. When he emphasized that serious chess players must keep themselves in good physical shape, he challenged anybody in the audience for the push-ups, and readily took off his shirt next to the first volunteer- Richard Beane of Belmopan.
the audience was counting the push-ups,,,
When Richard was out of breath, there was another Challenger- Peace Corps Volunteer, who took Richards' place, while Grand Master was keeping fast pace of his push-ups and kept joking with his challengers. Who would ever guess that Grand Master of Chess would be able to do 90 push-ups?
Then it was time to show our own talents- blindfold game - 12 year old Jamir Sanches played blidnfold against an adult chess player Rene Mai, who was allowed to see the board, and
the audience had a chance to follow the progression of the game on the screen with the commentary from Grand Master.Awards:
Maurice Ashley learned about the most active supporters and volunteers and he presented them with the awards. Mayor or Belmopan, Simeon Lopez:
Humberto Juarez, Corozal district
Carlos Lotiff and Margaret Lotiff, West Cayo
Rosanna Ake, Corozal
David Martinez, Belize District
Jose Teul, Toledo, as well as Policarpo Cus, Adinaldo Requena and Rodolfo Shal
Brian Chun, Stann Creek, who also presented GM with the token of our appreciation on behalf of Stann Creek Chess Association
We apologize for not having pictures of all the volunteers who received award on that day. In addition the awards were presented to: David Coombs, BNYCF Cayo coordinator, Peace Corps volunteers( Melissa Lemmons, Ashley Vasquez and Coy Thompson), Mexican Ambassador, Women's Group, Peace Corps, Minster of Health, Love Fm, Oapn Paki, Learning TV, OX Production, Builders, Banana Bank lodge.And finally, one of our young and very promising 8 years old chess players, Jeremy Chiang, presented the Grandmaster with the BNYCF shirt, that says on the back "Every Chess Master was once a beginner..."
As soon as the symposium was over Maurice Ashley was scheduled to play a simul against 20 best players of Belize. It was great to see that even the tropical downpour didn't stop him from playing the game, even though Grandmaster had to move in the paddles of water and the wind was blowing rain on the chess boards. 
It was a great experience for serious chess players, terrific entertainment for those who are new to the game and an incredible inspiration for the children.
The very next day after the symposium, Grand Master worked with 30 children and 10 coaches at the Sibun Jungle Lodge. His words made a huge impact on all of us: "Losing is learning, it's just of the process."
As soon as the symposium was over Maurice Ashley was scheduled to play a simul against 20 best players of Belize. It was great to see that even the tropical downpour didn't stop him from playing the game, even though Grandmaster had to move in the paddles of water and the wind was blowing rain on the chess boards. 
It was a great experience for serious chess players, terrific entertainment for those who are new to the game and an incredible inspiration for the children.
The very next day after the symposium, Grand Master worked with 30 children and 10 coaches at the Sibun Jungle Lodge. His words made a huge impact on all of us: "Losing is learning, it's just of the process." 
"Perfecting the game requires patience, determination, and the willingness to treat failure and loss as motivation to learn." 
"Chess is the martial art of the mind"
Grand Master Maurice Ashley talks to the kids before the departure and promises to come back to Belize. When? January 16, 2010, Grand Master Maurice Ashley will be back, this time working exclusively with coaches on various teaching techniques that will help us to develop our chess players into the future ULTIMATE CHESS PLAYERS- strong, smart and confident!
He came to Belize as an international celebrity, and left Belize as our Ultimate Chess Player- a true role model for children and adults.
