The noble initiatives must be highlighted, so that they are a role model in society. For this reason, I congratulate the Universidad Nacional Pedro Henríquez Ureña, UNPHU, for sponsoring and celebrating in its facilities the “First Pedro Henríquez Ureña International Chess Classic, In Memoriam”, from September 16 to 22.
The high school and the science game came together in a sporting celebration without precedent in our country, both for the quality of the players and for the symbology that it represented, adding the support of several companies that recognize that sport is a certain way for us to fully develop. I highlight the motivating collaboration of the historian and journalist, Mr. Miguel Guerrero, a lover of chess.
The Grand Masters Fernando Peralta, from Argentina; Yasser Quesada, from Cuba (tournament champion); Alejandro Ramírez, from the United States of America; Jose Cuenca, from Spain; and Manuel León, from Mexico.
Why those 5 countries? It was precisely in those sister nations where our illustrious humanist lived and taught, making incalculable contributions to universal thought, to what our America is and should be, and to the Castilian language. For example, in Argentina his presence left deep traces on authors of the stature of Jorge Luis Borges and Ernesto Sábato, the latter being his disciple. Knowing the work of Pedro Henríquez Ureña would make us more useful citizens.
The Dominican Republic was represented by 15 prominent chess players. Although it was not easy to compete against the Grand Masters, our players had excellent results, increasing their rating for 9 of them, where there were several draws with the international guests, who publicly recognized the talent of our players.
The organization was impeccable. The Grand Masters expressed it enthusiastically. The technical part was governed by the highest standards of the International Chess Federation, FIDE, which endorsed and registered the event on its official website, with the presence of the International Arbitrator Erick Hernández, from El Salvador, one of the most prominent in America. , together with a team of good Dominican professionals.
The tournament, for the first time in our history, was broadcast live through the main digital platforms available, being followed by tens of thousands of people on the 5 continents. And, most importantly, also for the first time, the games were analyzed by experts at the same time they were made, their work being applauded.
With this successful tournament, the UNPHU continues to contribute to the formation of a better country, with moral and academic values, with order, work, vision and commitment, demonstrating that we Dominicans have the capacity to transcend for good in any scenario, as when days we were one of the world chess capitals. Thank you UNPHU!
