SPOTLIGHT: Ivie Kristen Urieto, the nine-year-old chess prodigy inspiring young Nigerians

Playing chess aids in improving critical thinking and problem-solving skills of kids and adults, as it requires strategizing several moves ahead. This intellectual pursuit sharpens their minds and enhances concentration, improving academic performance.

Additionally, chess fosters creativity and imagination, allowing teens to explore multiple possibilities and try out new tactics. The game instills patience and resilience, teaching them to learn from mistakes and not give up easily. 

Moreover, chess cultivates valuable life skills such as sportsmanship, decision-making, and the ability to handle pressure in competitive situations. With its multifaceted benefits, chess holds a vital place in shaping teenagers into well-rounded individuals.

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In this piece with teen international chess player, Ivie Kristen Urieto, Crispng.com interviews her on her chess career so far and how she has been able to manage the game with her studies noting that the game required full attention and time to get the best out of it. And lots more.

Crispng.com: Tell us about yourself

Ivie: My name is Ivie Kristen Urieto, I am nine years old and also a National Chess player. The name of my school is Eucharistic Heart of Jesus Model School Abuja. 

Crispng.com: What is ‘chesswitive’ all about and what did they do?

Ivie: Chesswitivie is all about chess. Distributing chess and coaching, letting everyone know the benefits of chess game

Crispng.com: We understand you are a teen, what birthed the idea of you into the game of chess?

Ivie: What birthed the idea of chess into me was my dad

Crispng.com: Aside from playing the game of chess alone, what else are you doing with chess? 

Ivie: Aside from playing chess, I also coach chess to children and adults that don’t know how to play chess. I go to orphanages, schools, local communities to distribute and inspire kids to come to chess

Crispng.com: How long have you been in the game of chess?

Ivie: I have been in chess for 5 years now. Though I started playing at age 4, I started going for tournaments at age 6.

Crispng.com: What does it take to be a chess player at this age and where did you learn the game?

Ivie: To be a chess player takes dedication, commitment and one needs to be focused.

Crispng.com: What motivated you to chess?

Ivie: The way the knight moves motivated me to chess

Crispng.com: What has been your biggest achievement so far?

Ivie: My biggest achievement is, I have been able to inspire lots of children to start playing chess. And it earned me an ambassadorship for the Gift of Chess in the US. I also now belong to different chess clubs in Spain, France and the US. I have also been featured in some Media like, BBC world service podcast, DWnews, Reuters, CGTN, channels TV, Channel24 NTA, LittleAfricanews and more, plus I have over 10 medals. 

Crispng.com: What are some of the challenges facing you as a young chess player?

Ivie: Some of the challenges I face is majorly the issue of not being able to attend more tournaments due to finances. 

Crispng.com: What is your advice to the teens like you who want to go into chess?

Ivie: My advice to kids that what to go into chess is that, they should be focused and be dedicated, with this they can make it and become good in it

Crispng.com: How did you manage your chess career and studies? 

Ivie: I manage my school and chess schedule with a time table, so that one doesn’t affect one. 

Crispng.com: Is there anything you wish to share with us that we have not asked.

Ivie: Yes. Parents should help their children to spot that special talent their kids have and encourage them to achieve it. That is what my dad did and still does.