Report on The Pan-American Championship for the Blind and Visually Impaired
The IBCA Pan-American Open Championship for the blind and Visually Impaired
was held in Guatemala City, Guatemala from 23-27 October 2023.
On arrival day, a welcome dinner and music were provided. This was followed
by the technical meeting during which a roll call was taken and all
participating players were identified according to their visual categories.
Players were classified either as blind (B1) or visually impaired (B2).
Players were ranked in their respective groups and played only players
within their groups.
Participating countries were Argentina, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El
Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, Nicaragua, and USA. Participants in B1 numbered
35, with 12 in B2. Colombia had the biggest contingent: 23. There were 7
rounds and games were 90 minutes with 30 second increments per move per
player. Arbiters, coaches, and volunteers all worked tirelessly to ensure
that things ran smoothly.
All chess activities took place in the Chess Federation building. Busses
transported players from the hotel to the playing venue after breakfast each
day, and players returned to the hotel for dinner in the late afternoon
after all games had ended. Lunch was served at the venue daily. Play got
underway on Tuesday morning after the opening ceremony. Thursday afternoon
was devoted to the cultural excursion to Antigua.
the competition was tough in a field ranging from unrated to about 1800. The closing ceremony included dinner and the presentation of medals. Places were awarded for both men and women in both categories. In B1, Fernando Daza and Melany Rosa each received gold, while Jhon Mike Rosales and Jessica Lauser each took gold in B2. Ecuador was announced as the host of the 2024 Pan-American Championship.
~ Marilyn Bland