On March 26, 2011 the Orange Walk Chess Association teamed up with teams from Corozal Chess Association to host the district qualifying tournament. 134 players were registered and came to play at a chance for the top 24 stops in each district to represent Orange Walk and Corozal.

The event was held at Muffles College in Orange Walk Town on a beautiful day. The sun was hot, but the competition was hotter. Prizes were awarded to the top 4 in each age section. Both districts compete against one another but pick their district teams accordingly.

Orange Walk’s awarded prizes to players in sections 10 years and younger, 11 to 12 years of age, 13 to 14 years, and 15-17 years old. In the 10 and under category, Luis Zavala (Yo Creek) earned first place followed by Victoria Yat (Guinea Grass) in 2^nd, Jorge Blanco (Yo Creek) in 3^rd, and Victor Noel (Yo Creek) in 4^th place. The 11 to 12 years title was won by Jose Zavala (Yo Creek), followed by Jason Russel (Guinea Grass) in 2^nd, Vieri Bustillos (Guinea Grass) in 3^rd, and Daniel Lara (Guinea Grass) in 4^th. 13-14 age section was won by Gabriel Campos (Yo Creek), with Yassir Gonzalez (Muffles) in 2^nd, Fernando Garrido (Guinea Grass) in 3^rd, and Roman Alvarez (Muffles) in 4^th place. The 15-17 age group was won by Christian Aban (Muffles), followed by Dong Xiao (Muffles) in 2^nd, Josh Baeza (Muffles) in 3^rd, and Eber Nah (New Hope) finishing in 4^th place.

Corozal awarded prizes to players in sections 8 and under, 9 to 10 years old, 11 to 12 years, 13 to 14, and 15 to 17. 8 and under section prizes were awarded to Aaron Tamay (Santa Clara), with Heizen Loria (Santa Clara) coming in 2^nd , and Jessmie Pech (Santa Clara) and Owen Martinez (San Narciso) coming in 3^rd and 4^th, respectively. The 9 to 10 year old section was won by Keiderre Loria (Santa Clara), followed by Lisandro Yascal (Santa Clara) in 2^nd, and 3^rd and 4^th place going to Christopher Perez (Santa Clara) and Zyrian Jaurez (San Narciso), respectively. The 11 and 12 year old division was won by Pedro Tamay (Santa Clara), 2^nd prize to Orvin Carillo (Louisville), 3^rd to Eyden Juarez (San Narciso), and Irene Perez (Santa Clara) coming 4^th. The 13 and 14 year old section had Hector Loria (Santa Clara) in 1^st followed by Shajir Pech (Santa Clara) in 2^nd. The champion of the 15 to 17 section was Gilberto Perez Jr. (Santa Clara), followed by Nair Leiva (CJC).

The Adult section was won by Dr. Jose Lahera of Orange Walk town. There was a strong showing by all adults and we look forward to seeing more adult participation in the near future.

24 players from each district will be selected to compete in the Belize National Youth Chess Foundation’s Olympiad in Belmopan on May 21, 2011 for prizes on a national stage. Preparation and studying will now begin to get each youth ready for the big event.