Empowering Kids: The Mission of Bocas Chess Club 2025

The Bocas Chess Club is an officially recognized non-profit sports organization in Panama, endorsed by the national sports authority PanDeportes. Our mission is to provide local children with the best possible opportunities through the game of chess.

As a collaboration with the Multicultural International School, which serves as our headquarters, the Chess Club depends on community involvement, donations, and volunteers to fulfill our goals. We see chess not just as a competitive sport, but as a means of delivering valuable social experiences and nurturing the development of the young participants.

With the support of sponsors and through sustainable program activities, the Bocas Chess Club ensure long-term viability and continuity. Our aim is to make a lasting impact on the lives of the children we serve, empowering them through the study and practice of chess.

Bocas Del Toro is an archipelago ready to transform learning empowering kids, new generations of leaders and communities through Chess in education.

Looking forward to enhance education in Bocas Del Toro.

By introducing Chess as a powerful educational tool, we are cultivating essential 21st-century competencies: communication, collaboration, critical reasoning, and creative problem-solving. These skills are fundamental to deeper learning and are critical for individuals and communities to respond agility to change and challenges. By integrating this strategic game into learning, we aim to equip students with dynamic skills that transcend traditional academic boundaries.

Our vision extends beyond the chessboard, empowering young minds in Bocas Del Toro to develop intellectual agility, unlock their potential, and become transformative contributors to their community's vibrant future.

In Bocas del toro, the lead instructor provides several free workshops and low cost training for students in person and online, promoting social awareness in public schools throughout the archipelago, along with online lessons.

Primarily held in local schools: Colegio Rogelio Ibarra (on Wednesdays) , Multicultural Dr. Andres Culiolis Bayard (Thursdays and Fridays) , and Escuela Carenero (on Sundays).

We will keep attending in a special schedule in summer, engaging community and volunteers. During scholar year 2025 We look to expand in others schools in collaboration with Principals, teachers or volunteers.

We invite you to join our project in either way, as volunteers or sponsors, helping to promote this game, which is a blend of sport, art, and science.

Check out our links and websites

https://bocaschess.org/

https://maps.app.goo.gl/MQysheNFeAp6Sp5P6

Instagram: bocaschess

Facebook: Bocas Chess

National Tournaments and Competitions:

While some children and students have the means to participate in our programs, others face financial constraints. Our goal is to provide equal opportunities, ensuring that all deserving participants can benefit from our initiatives, regardless of their economic background.

In 2024, we debut with 19 young players in Febraury to The Youth National Chess Tournament and we participated with 10 kids in november to The National Team Chess Tournament Sub 14.

Our goal $4,000, and thanks to your generous support, we've raised much so far! Every dollar has been put to good use, and will support our mission of 2025. Your continued contributions help us cover essential expenses for the upcoming year.

We aim to raise our goal to invest in educational technology that fosters both chess mastery and responsible digital learning for 2025 and beyond.

As example we need to factor in the expenses of chess equipment: sets, clocks, as possible tablets to keep and use for effective visits of remote school and cost per trip are +/- $150, also looking to equip schools and to prepare for future school tournaments.

Given our island location, participation in national events mostly like in Panama city is costly, with transportation and meals around $140 per person.

We have hosted more than 20 volunteers since 2022, RIO and KAI (organizer of this fundraiser) volunteered in 2023 and have continued to support our mission, helping to make a positive impact on Bocas Chess children's education.

Your Donations enable us to:

We've set up multiple options for supporters to contribute, this Gofundme, PayPal and direct cash donations through a trusted local contact. This accessibility means the funds can be readily available when possible, keeping the Chess Club supported in 2025 and beyond.

Your donation, no matter the amount $5, $10, $20, etc, will make a meaningful difference in the lives of these students. Help us provide them with the resources to pursue the benefits of chess and unlock their full potential in Education.

THANK YOU , together we achieve more and feeds education!

“You may learn much more from a game you lose than from a game you win. You will have to lose hundreds of games before becoming a good player.”

– Jose Raul Capablanca -