Chess O’Clock: One Girl, Two Games, Three Medals.

Lately, I’ve found myself doing a lot of planning and organizing. Just a week ago, I single-handedly coordinated the Chess Event for my faculty’s Dean’s Games. Last year, I organized one too, but that was online, so things were a bit easier. This time around, my faculty’s Sports Secretary reached out to me to oversee the chess tournament for the Sports festival.

Now normally, this shouldn’t be a big deal, right? I could’ve taken the easy route - made it a round robin and called it a day. But I wanted more. I wanted it to feel like a proper tournament, because I wanted the players to experience the intensity and beauty of over-the-board (OTB) chess.
(I mean... Why settle for basic when you can give them a taste of greatness?)

The Planning Phase

From the start, I knew I wanted it to be a team event, so each department had to present at least two participants.

Now here's where things got interesting. Getting ladies to participate was an uphill task. (Honestly, this is a recurring issue in chess spaces, and this event was no exception.) So... I had to get creative.

In the registration form, I “strategically” made it mandatory for each department to field a female player. (Smiles in evil genius.)
And it worked! Out of 9 departments, 6 brought female players. Not perfect, but definitely progress. Since we crossed the 60% participation mark, I let the remaining departments off the hook.

Choosing the format was another mental workout. I debated back and forth but eventually settled on a Swiss format (Olympiad style). Many times, I was tempted to choose something simpler but I knew what I wanted this event to look and feel like.

Now let’s talk software, because this part nearly humbled me. After some research, I settled on Tornelo for the Open section and ChessManager for the female section. These were my first times using any chess tournament software, so I had to do a lot of YouTube, trial, error, and prayer.

To get the time control, tiebreakers, scoring system, and even penalty structures right, I also consulted two of my teammates; Ogunsanya Tobiloba and @toluwayme Their input helped a lot.

The D-Day Hustle

The board games were scheduled to start by 2:30 pm. I was determined to stick to time, so by 9:00 am, I was already on ground. But of course, no smooth story starts without a little chaos.

First challenge? Chess boards.
I had made arrangements earlier, but my plug disappointed me that morning. Thankfully, my Unilag chess family came through. I was able to get what I needed quickly.

Second wahala? The arbiter.
The one I had lined up cancelled the morning of the event. I couldn’t arbitrate because I was also playing (because why not?) and I didn’t want just anybody. I needed someone who understood tournament play and the software.
That’s how Leo Utam became our Chief Arbiter and honestly? 10/10, would choose again. He handled everything so smoothly.

As the games started, Leo and I had one last beast to tame: the software. Even though we’d both done our homework, there were still glitches. (Technology will humble you.) But after some back-and-forth, we got it under control and I finally handed things over to him.

Doing the Most (and Doing It Well)

Now imagine trying to coordinate all of this while still playing in the female section.
Yeah, I know. Madness.

In every free moment between rounds, I’d rush to the arbiter’s table to check on pairings and monitor progress. And yes, I still managed to finish in first place. (Currently holding a 3-year unbeaten streak at the Games, thank you very much.)

After the event, the Sports Secretary told me:
“Of all the games, yours was the smoothest.”
And that meant a lot, because I knew the effort I put in wasn’t just noticed, but respected.

🥈🥇 Not Just a Chess Girl

This year, I decided to try something new and joined the athletics team for my department.
Yeah, I shocked myself too.

I ended up winning two medals at the department games:
🥈 Silver in 400m
🥇 Gold in the 4x100m mixed relay
And at the faculty games, I won a third:
🥇 Gold in Chess

Let’s just say the Games were a major win on all fronts. I helped organize the chess tournament, represented my department, and contributed to us winning both at the department level and the faculty level.

That joy? It’s hard to explain.

Before I Sign Out…

I know I said I’d write again soon, but between school, life, and running literal laps for medals, I’ve been booked and busy.
But I really enjoyed planning and participating in these events. It reminded me how powerful we are when we show up fully, whether it’s behind a board or on a track.

Ever planned or participated in a chess event? Or maybe tried something totally outside your comfort zone like athletics?
I’d love to hear your own story - drop it in the comments! 💬💕