ALL roads lead to Ozamiz City in Misamis Occidental for the staging of the much-awaited 6th Gov. Henry S. Oaminal Chess Festival, the biggest and most prestigious annual chess competition in Mindanao, on July 11-12 at the Ozamis City Gymnasium.
To motivate the competitors, Asia’s first chess Grandmaster Eugene Torre was invited to give an inspirational speech to open the tournament along with Misamis Occidental Gov. Henry Oaminal Sr, Rep. Henry Oaminal, Jr, Rep. Sancho Fernando Oaminal and Ozamis City Mayor Sam Norman Fuentes.
Also gracing the opening ceremony are National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) director and Asenso Misamis Occidental Chess Association (AMOFCA) president Rey Urbiztondo, NCFP CEO and executive director GM Jayson Gonzales, GM Rogelio "Joey" Antonio Jr., GM Daniel Quizon and WGM Janelle Mae Frayna.
The tournament coincides with the celebration of the Ozamis Charter Day.
A total prize fund of P500,000 is up for grabs in four categories: Individual Open, High School and Elementary and the team tatluhan rapid tournament.
"The biggest Mindanao Tournament of the year with P500,000 in total cash prize. The legacy continues for the 6th Governor Henry S. Oaminal Chess Festival and Asenso Ozamiz Charter Open Chess and the First Tatluhan Chess Team Tournament which is a FIDE rated tournament," said Urbiztondo.
Meanwhile, the opening program will start with the simultaneous chess exhibition games between GM Torre and Ozamiz City Officials; GM Gonzales and Misamis Occidental Executives; GM Antonio and high school players from outside Misamis Occidental; GM Quizon and the top Misamis Occidental high school players; and WGM Janelle Frayna and elementary players.