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As a chess trainer, I think the game should be taught showing people that it’s not only theory but tightly linked with real life. You can teach using Skype, both individually and in groups… at any level. Now all the treasures of chess are stored into a computer, and you can play online with or without a partner. Before Armenia became independent, the game was isolated in community centers, church halls, and newspapers back pages. It is allowing lots of people to get into it in a way they would have never imagined. So how is the game evolving thanks to the Internet, and how is it opening new opportunities?”Ī: “The Internet is a fantastic thing for chess. But unlike video games, where real life actions are involved, chess is the same online as over the board.
#LOST IN BLINDNESS GAME SOFTWARE#
Chess playing software is helping people to become stronger players faster. Q:”The digital revolution has affected this 1.500 years old game in several ways. Some of my chess students have really good ratings and titles of international masters.”
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Today I manage the Culture House of the Blinds, where I share my experience to help people breaking the barrier of their disability. I became a grandmaster of chess, I graduated with honors from the University and created my family. I joined their team, and little by little the chess brought me out of the darkness. At this point, I told myself I had to come out of my pessimistic state. You will regain your lost confidence there.” I followed him and met blinds and other disabled people, footless, armless… they were playing chess and music. I am blind, and I want to show you where I am working. But one day a blind person approached me and said “Brother, don’t hide your disability, be natural.
#LOST IN BLINDNESS GAME HOW TO#
When I lost my sight, I was concentrated on the difficulties, and I couldn’t even imagine how to study, to work, to live a normal life. My visual problems started late, and I had never supposed that chess would play such a crucial role in my life. The chess is the golden key that allows you to open any door. It can give you everything you need in real life. The chess teaches you to find the best outcome in critical situations. It’s a master of life, especially for invalids and visually impaired. Chess is one of the most ancient games in the history. How can this game persuade visually impaired people that they are talented enough to be everything they want?”Ī: “This is a philosophical question and if we manage to respond it will be useful for many people. Chess positively impacts on mental and social development.
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Many of them feel blindness as being in prison they play a game against themselves.
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Every day you offer your talents to the community to help others. Q: “Yura, you are a talented poet, a fine musician and also a master of blind chess. He discusses how the Internet boosted this game so that its incredible powers are now available to a global audience. In this interview, he explains how the chess game changed his life helping to overcome disability and training his memory to the point that he can memorize 200.000 pages of poetry. I had the opportunity to interview Yura Avetisyan and I found out he is one of the best chess players in his country with a national rating of 2.475. Yura Avetisyan, their visually impaired director, talked about chess game and its role in the lives of people with different abilities. Оn March 14th, the first recording took place at the Internet Radio located in the Culture House of the Blinds. This latest project received funding from Internet Society newest grant programme “ Beyond the Net Funding programme”. We learnt how they created the Internet Availability Center which led to the idea of an Internet Radio. In the previous episode we shared the pleasure we had in meeting the amazing team from Yerevan. Thankfully the Internet boosted the chess virus at a point that the benefits are within everybody’s reach.
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Beyond the Net Journal: Armenia Chapter #2 EpisodeĪ conversation with the manager of the “Culture House of the Blinds” unravels the mystery of the chess game, seen as the golden key that opens any door.
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