Jamaica's under-10 chess champions head to Pan American Youth Festival in Colombia

Jamaica's national under-10 chess champions are preparing for a major continental test, with Khalel Davey and Noel Noble set to represent the country at the 36th Pan American Youth Chess Festival in Colombia.

At 10, Davey already holds the national under-10 male title. He says his mother first drew him to the game because it sharpened his concentration, and the thrill of competing keeps him aiming higher. Like many serious players, he studies openings, plays regularly, and works through puzzles. Win, lose, or draw, he reviews each contest for mistakes so he can improve next time.

Noble, the national under-10 female champion, says chess helps her think creatively and critically alongside schoolwork. Her tournament prep centres on researching openings and solving puzzles. She credits the game with teaching patience and the habit of thinking before she answers.

Adults around the young players say the benefits stretch beyond medals. One parent explained that she steered her daughter toward chess after noticing, from basic school, a tendency to rush everything. Searching online and on Instagram led her to a club. She has since watched her child grow more assured at events, unfazed by stronger peers and dominant in her section. Supporters also argue chess builds academic skills, sporting discipline, travel experience, and clearer career thinking, and they urge more parents to enrol children for the critical-thinking gains.

Woman Candidate Master Aneisha Smith, Davey's mother, says chess shaped her own life academically, personally, and in how she behaves, teaching her to calm down and think before acting. She wants her son to gain those same advantages early. She notes that he often wants to finish schoolwork first and score highest at once, but rushing usually produces errors. Chess, she says, reinforces their family theme: slow and steady wins the race.

As Jamaica's chess scene expands, trainers are pushing juniors toward more regional and international events. Titles, they note, are generally earned abroad, so travel is essential. Coaches say they are hardening players for tougher competition, pursuing international titles for more students, and aiming ultimately toward grandmaster level.

For the young champions, the Colombia trip is both pressure and prize. They say they are excited to see new places, meet friends, sample local food, and compete hard for Jamaica. One message they leave for others is simple: try the game, stay proud of the choice, and never give up.