25-04-2014, 10:37 AM
Derek,
I don't think Mike's comments should be taken as a criticism, but it is all about subtle shifts of emphasis. Is representing Scotland at the World Youth Championships the pinnacle of achievement? Or is winning a gold medal at the World Youth Championships for Scotland the pinnacle of achievement?
If it is 1, then of course you should pay £2,500 to send a 7 year old to South Africa and when they get back they can take up something more useful than chess!
If it is 2 then MAYBE you should spend £2,500 on sending a 7 year old to South Africa, because it is an important part of their development plan OR maybe you should go Ayreshire Congress and the Commonwealth Championships and get some online lessons from Adam Bremner (other coaches are available) and go on a cookery course to understand the nutrition that top athletes require. Then with the £1,000 that you've saved you could go to the beach - remembering to take a chess book and board of course.
I don't think Mike's comments should be taken as a criticism, but it is all about subtle shifts of emphasis. Is representing Scotland at the World Youth Championships the pinnacle of achievement? Or is winning a gold medal at the World Youth Championships for Scotland the pinnacle of achievement?
If it is 1, then of course you should pay £2,500 to send a 7 year old to South Africa and when they get back they can take up something more useful than chess!
If it is 2 then MAYBE you should spend £2,500 on sending a 7 year old to South Africa, because it is an important part of their development plan OR maybe you should go Ayreshire Congress and the Commonwealth Championships and get some online lessons from Adam Bremner (other coaches are available) and go on a cookery course to understand the nutrition that top athletes require. Then with the £1,000 that you've saved you could go to the beach - remembering to take a chess book and board of course.