Union Bank became the first Corporate body to contribute to the prize fund for the 2001/2002 National High Schools Chess Championship on Wednesday.

In handing over the sponsorship cheque, Manager of Marketing and Business Development at Union Bank, Richard Kildare, expressed admiration for the efforts of the Jamaica Chess Federation and the activities which it is now undertaking, particularly in relation to the promotion of the Sport in schools.

The move by Jamaica’s newest commercial bank signifies the reestablishment of its relation with Jamaica’s newest Sport. In February 1975, the then Worker’s Savings and Loan Bank sponsored the first National High School Chess Championship, and for almost two decades continued to sponsor the tournament which has produced all of Jamaica’s top Chess players since then.

This year’s Championship is set to begin in early November with Meadowbrook High School seeking to defend their title. This year there is no clear main threat, as schools such as last year’s losing finalist Campion College, Wolmer’s Boys, Mannings High School and relative newcomers Glenmuir High School all appear set to start their challenge on equal footing.

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