MUSCAT: The Oman School Sports Association (OSSA), in collaboration with the Oman Chess Committee (OCC), has launched the School Chess Festival, bringing together more than 900 students from various governorates, including Al Dakhiliyah, Al Dhahirah, Al Wusta, Musandam, Al Sharqiyah North, Al Sharqiyah South, Al Batinah North , Dhofar and Muscat.
The festival comes as part of the ongoing partnership between the OSSA and the OCC, aiming to promote the culture of chess within Omani schools and introduce the game as an educational and recreational tool that enhances cognitive and strategic thinking among students.
Designed to provide a fun and engaging learning experience, the event features a series of interactive activities, including large scale chess models to help students visualise moves and understand the fundamentals of the game. Friendly matches and light competitions are also organised to encourage teamwork, focus and healthy competition.
In addition to the chess related events, the festival includes cultural corners that highlight Omani heritage and traditional crafts. Visitors can explore displays of traditional Omani cuisine and handcrafted products, offering students a glimpse into the richness of Oman’s cultural identity and craftsmanship.
The School Chess Festival represents one of the key developmental programmes targeting students in the early school stages, aiming to identify and nurture young chess talents who may later represent their governorates in national and regional competitions.
Through this initiative, the OSSA reaffirms its commitment to build a generation of intellectually active and culturally aware students, while strengthening the partnership with the Oman Chess Committee in promoting sports that combine strategy, creativity and education across the nation’s schools.
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