Olivia achieves success in National Go Championships
Huge well done to Waconian Olivia, who has recently achieved incredible success in the Go Youth Grand Prix 2024 Competition, securing an impressive 3rd place overall!
The competition, organised by the British Go Association, runs throughout the year and awards points for tournament participation and game victories. This year, Olivia was one of the 24 Waconians who took part in the competition.
In addition to this national success, Olivia secured victory in the Double-Digit Kyu (DDK) Grand Prix 2024, emerging as the top player in the 20k-40k grade range.
Olivia said: “I started playing Go at CHS around 2 years ago. I’ve continued to play because it is a simple game that uses your brain and is logical, which to me is quite fun.
“I have been to many tournaments over the years and placed in a variety of spots, so I am really happy and proud to have come third in the Youth Grand Prix!”
Go club has been a much-loved co-curricular at CHS for years, with pupils being guided by dedicated staff, including Maths teacher Mr Barnett, and Mr and Mrs Harvey, who have led the club for over a decade. There are currently around 50-60 active players ranging from Year 6 all the way to Upper Sixth.
Each year, pupils in Go club participate in five or six tournaments, travelling and competing across the UK. Alongside this, CHS hosts an annual tournament every November, drawing players from across the region.
Mr & Mrs Harvey commented: “We enjoy guiding pupils in Go club as we think all pupils can benefit from the camaraderie of a club. This is easy if you like an outdoor sport, but we feel a mind sport does have a valid place, for those who like solving puzzles. It is very rewarding and satisfying to teach the pupils and see their enjoyment of the game, interacting with others and becoming more confident.
“Olivia’s achievements in 2024 have been truly impressive. She started playing Go in 2023, and has attended 10 national tournaments since then, and in fact improved her grade from 8 of them. She is currently 21 kyu. Olivia also received a “full colours” achievement for Go at the end of the year. Well done & congratulations to her!”
