Student, 11, donates chess tourney winnings to charity
Zareena Amiruddin Mar 29th, 2010
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

ELEVEN-YEAR-OLD Jerry Goh Yong Yao, one of Brunei Chess Federation’s (BCF) top junior players, has donated half of his tournament winnings to the BCF Everest Trekking Amal to raise funds in the construction of houses for Brunei’s less fortunate families.

The Year Eight student from Yayasan Sultan Hj Hassanal Bolkiah School also intends to donate part of his future winnings to charity.

“I would like to appeal to the more fortunate youth in Brunei to do their part by their own effort, without asking money from their parents,” said Jerry.

“We can do it by ourselves, using various methods, for example taking it from our own pocket money, selling our now-unused old books, toys and clothes, we can donate some of our prize money, or perhaps we can even sacrifice a month-worth of mobile top-up credit.”

In a press statement, Jerry said that they are not only helping the poor but also practising the lessons taught by His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, religious leaders, parents and teachers, that helping those in need is the key to happiness.

“What’s more, we are supporting our very own local charity to raise funds for our very own local society. So as to say, Berat sama dipikul, ringan sama dijinjing (Hard work will be made easier by team cooperation). With this good practice, I believe that when we grow up, we will be wise and responsible adults with a good team spirit in the times to come,” added Jerry.

On April 23, a nine-man team will begin a 16-day, 120-kilometre walk to the Mount Everest Base Camp, climbing over 3,000 metres in elevation. The expedition itself will be funded by the participating individuals, while all the money collected will be donated to charity.

“I urge all the people who reside in Brunei to pray for our (members) from BCF a very safe journey throughout this challenging time,” said Jerry.

The nine men mostly in their 50s will also aim to make a world record by being the first team to play and complete a chess game at the highest altitude.

As of press time, BCF Everest Trekking Amal has raised just over $9,000 out of their target of $50,000, according to their website.

Source: The Brunei Times

Posted by Picasa
Chess Daily News from Susan Polgar
Tags: ,