Kenneth Fitzpatrick Memorial Junior Chess Tournament set for January 11

The Trinidad and Tobago Chess Association (TTCA), together with his friends and family, will host the Kenneth Fitzpatrick Memorial Junior Chess Tournament on January 11 to honour the legacy of the late chess player and administrator.

The event will start at 10 am at the Centenary Hall of St Mary’s College on Pembroke Street in Port of Spain and will be International Chess Federation (FIDE)-rated. The memorial tournament will be open to under-12, under-16 and under-20 players, and the organisers hope it will attract a diverse group of talented players. The entry fee is $60.

A January 7 release from the TTCA said the goal of the event is to foster a deeper love and appreciation for the game.

“The Kenneth Fitzpatrick Memorial Junior Chess Tournament is not only a chance to showcase the skills of our local youth, but also an opportunity to celebrate Ken’s love for chess and his lifelong dedication to the community,” said Chantal Fitzpatrick, Kenneth’s daughter.

In addition to his prowess on the chessboard, Fitzpatrick taught at St Mary’s for over 20 years. Former TTCA president Edison Raphael said the staging of the tourney serves as a testament to Fitzpatrick’s invaluable contributions and will ensure that his legacy continues to inspire future generations.

“We are honoured to be hosting this event on behalf of the family of Kenneth Fitzpatrick. He was truly passionate about chess and was a key player in the development of chess at the junior level,” said current TTCA president Sonja Johnson.

Johnson told Newsday she hopes the memorial tournament can become a staple on the local chess calendar and is looking forward to a great turnout.

“In addition to the competitive spirit, the event will emphasise learning, networking and creating lasting connections among players,” the release said.

“We look forward to seeing the next generation of chess talent come together to honour a man whose contributions to the game will never be forgotten.”

The release said prizes will be awarded to winners across all categories, to go along with additional gift prizes which will be done via a random draw.

Fitzpatrick’s career began at 15, and his dedication to chess spanned over 50 years. He died in February 2023.