By Lim Yong Teck/Red Sports
Children pick up Weiqi at an ActiveSG holiday programme. Mind sports are gradually being introduced to the ActiveSG programme lineup. (Photo 1 © Lim Yong Teck/Red Sports)
Yio Chu Kang Sports Centre, Thursday, June 19, 2014 — ActiveSG recently introduced mind sports such as Weiqi and Xiangqi to its programme lineup, and launched its pilot Weiqi programme for children.
ActiveSG is one of the recommendations of Vision 2030, an initiative that aims to provide affordable programmes for Singaporeans of all ages and levels.
The Weiqi programme catered to children aged nine to 14, and is supervised by a convener from Sport Singapore. A certified coach from the Singapore Weiqi Association instructed and managed the programme.
“I think it’s good for the children to learn, and of course it’ll be better if there are more programmes available for the public to know about Weiqi,” said Hao Wei, who coaches the participants. “If we can establish a culture and interest in Weiqi here, we are effectively pitching ourselves in the international scene. Weiqi is very popular in Japan, Korea and China.”
The 27-year-old added, “Weiqi is a game that requires one to combine all senses. It is known to help improve mental ability and judgement. There are 361 moves to remember in the game. If you can remember them, and remember the games played, you’ll have a very good memory.”
The ten-day Weiqi programme equipped participants with basic elements and knowledge of the sport. The programme honed analytical and critical thinking skills, and encouraged the participants to think ahead of their opponents.
Henny Goh, convener of the programme, said, “These games are commonly known to the public as board games, but it is slowly gaining ground as a mind sport.”
Goh added, “I think the programme is very good for children as it encompasses character development and children learn problem solving skills. These skills are also important besides keeping fit physically through sports like basketball and football.”
ActiveSG plans to roll out more of such programmes in future. These programmes include Weiqi, Xiangqi and Chess.
For more information on ActiveSG programmes, visit: http://www.myactivesg.com/about-activesg/activesg-programmes
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