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Checkmate: new chess club formed in Carlyle

New group meets at the Carlyle Happy Gang's building.
Carlyle Chess Club
Recent chess club activity at the Carlyle Happy Gang.

CARLYLE - Dr. Ovie Albert is a general practitioner who moved from Kamsack to Carlyle in May.

Born and raised in Nigeria, he has been playing chess since he was eight years old. Albert loves the game and over the summer has thought of forming a chess club and teaching the game to the younger generations. 

Recently, his dream has become a reality and an informal chess club has been formed in Carlyle. Every Wednesday, everyone is invited to meet at 5:30 p.m. at the Carlyle Happy Gang building for an introduction to the game.

Albert and his wife Onome have three children with their 13-year-old daughter Kevwe acquiring a keen interest in the game. In addition to enjoying soccer and taekwondo, Albert’s preferred pastime is chess, and he loves teaching anyone that wants to learn.

“I played a lot of chess in university and continue to play the game. Online and on the computer is okay, but nothing is better than head-to-head person interaction. I love teaching the younger generations and I am really looking forward to starting a club in Carlyle.”

Local resident Jim Sedor has played a lot of chess in his lifetime and often plays against his 13-year-old grandson Tayo.

“I am passionate about the game, and it really develops personal life skills. In chess there is a beginning game, a middle game and an end game. One must be disciplined, creative and knowledgeable to succeed. Good things start with passionate people. One can use the game of chess to better themselves which in turn will make you a better person.”