Trinidad and Tobago

[A.Presman]

Source: http://guardian.co.tt/sports/other-spor ... s-champion

Aqui beats national draughts champion
Published: 21 Apr 2010

Six-time world draughts champion Harm Wiersma (centre) poses with men’s and women’s National Draughts Singles top performers during an award ceremony at the El Dorado Girls Youth Camp on Wednesday night.



Anthony Aqui won the $2,500 first prize at the Point Fortin Draughts Masters Club’s first annual Invitational Tournament at Point Fortin West Secondary School on Sunday. He was followed by Timothy Dennis and national champion Dickson Maughn, who bagged $2,000 and $1,500 respectively. Speaking to the Guardian yesterday, Aqui said that he would not be getting carried away with his victory.

“I’m accustomed to winning events like these,” he said casually. “I like to win, but its not like its the first time. It’s normal.” Revered as one of the country’s best, he has not competed in the National Singles Championships since 1999 since he feels it is important for younger players to have a chance to represent their country.

Meanwhile, Rufus Foster president of the organisation applauded all the players who participated in both the organisation’s event two weeks ago and Sunday’s Tournament in Point Fortin and assured them that the organisation is making every effort to improve the general standard and quality of play at all levels and rewards for all participants.

scores

1. Anthony Aqui ($2,500)
2. Timothy Dennis ($2,000)
3. Dickson Maughn ($1,500)
4. Trevor Elder ($1,000)
5. James Gabriel ($800)
6. Kumar Sookram ($600)

[A.Presman]

http://usportt.com/archives/20964

Schools draughts championships on tomorrow
July 6, 2012


A total of 68 schools have entered the island-wide Primary Schools Draughts Competition which comes off at the Larry Gomes Stadium, Malabar, tomorrow starting at 9.30 am. The contest takes the form of a seven round Swiss and is organised by the T&T Draughts and Checkers Association headed by retired army officer Rufus Foster. According to Foster, cash prizes ranging from $2,000 to $500 will be awarded to the winners together with trophies for the top schools. Two champions will be defending their titles; Renaldo Mapp of Egypt Government, Pt Fortin (Boys) and Treasure Hayness of D’Abadie Government. Foster said his Association would like to take the game of draughts into all the primary schools in the country, but they are limited by insufficient funds and not enough coaches.

[A.Presman]

http://www.newsday.co.tt/sport/0,189527.html

Rufus retained as draughts/checkers president
Tuesday, January 21 2014

RUFUS Foster has been retained as president of the Trinidad and Tobago Draughts and Checkers Association (TTDCA) at Saturday’s AGM and election of officers at the Larry Gomes Stadium, Malabar.

Foster earned another two-year term at the helm after being voted back unopposed. Eleven out of the 13 registered clubs voted at Saturday’s election. The other two clubs which are from the sister isle of Tobago, could not be here in time. Yesterday Foster said his re-election shows that the general membership is happy with the way he has been managing the affairs of the sport. However he explained that a number of tough decisions will be made to enhance the running of the association.

This year, for the first time, a male and female vice-president were named, they are Harvey Khan and Ingrid Simmons, who are both members of Foster’s slate. Like Foster, they too were voted in unopposed as well as Lisa Jaikaran Udit, who held the role of secretary for the past eight months, was elected as general secretary.

Udit assistant secretary is Rolston Nicholls while Bishoo Dookkhatie earned the position of treasurer. Aldwin Roe was named public relations officer. Trustees for the association are Devindra Dindial and Timothy Dennis.

The TTDCA expressed gratitude to the over 80 percent of members who came out and voted, and played an integral part in ensuring that their federation has a sound executive committee.

[A.Presman]

source: http://www.trinidadexpress.com/sports/W ... 89661.html

World champion for development drive
By Kwame Laurence kwame.laurence@trinidadexpress.com
Story Created: Jan 25, 2014 at 9:09 PM ECT
Story Updated: Jan 25, 2014 at 9:09 PM ECT
Six-time world draughts champion Harm Wiersma will spend two months in Trinidad and Tobago in a bid to develop the game.
Trinidad and Tobago Draughts and Checkers Association (T&TDCA) president Rufus Foster told the Express the Dutchman is expected in the country next month.
“We have a very robust programme for this year, starting with the arrival of Wiersma. He was here last year, and will be back thanks to Minister of Sport Anil Roberts and the Sports Company (sportt) to help develop draughts. Wiersma will be here from the end of February, conducting coaching seminars. He will also help make persons more competent in conducting tournaments.
“We’re on a strong path,” the president continued. “We’re grateful for the support of the Sports Company in helping with development, like the schools programme.”
Foster, who has been president of the T&TDCA since 2009, was returned to the top post, unopposed, at last Sunday’s Annual General Meeting (AGM), held at the Larry Gomes Stadium in Malabar.
“The AGM was well-attended,” said Foster. “Eighty percent of the clubs were in attendance, and we adopted a new constitution. With the new constitution, elections will be every two years.
“And we intend to be very serious,” he continued, “and treat with the ill-discipline of members who are trying to bring the association into disrepute.”
Foster said the 2014 National Draughts Championships will be staged in March or April.
Dickson Maughn is the reigning national champion and one of the top players in the Pan American region. He captured fourth spot at the 2013 Pan Am Championships, here in T&T, the result earning him a berth at the World Championships in Ufa, Russia, where he finished ninth in a 10-player group.

T&TDCA executive for 2014-16 term
President/CEO—Rufus Foster
Vice President—Harvey Khan
Female Vice President—Ingrid Simmons
Secretary—Lisa Jaikaran-Udit
Assistant Secretary—Rolston Nicholls
Treasurer—Bishoo Dookhantee
Public Relations Officer—Aldwyn Rowe
Trustees—Timothy Dennis, Devindra Dindial
Youth Programme Director—Anderson Hospedales
Tournament Director—post to be filled