Custos of St Ann, Joey Issa is among the interested parties spearheading the Custos Commando Backgammon campaign in at least seven high schools within the parish.

The move, according to Issa, will assist students in many ways, including developing important life skills.

“The initiative is about introducing students to backgammon as a fun, educational and strategic game.  The programme will establish school-based backgammon clubs where students can learn, practice and compete, while developing important life skills,” Issa told Observer Online on Tuesday.

He explained the decision to take the campaign into high schools.

“We believe that high schools are the right place to introduce young people to new opportunities. Backgammon is more than just a game. It teaches you to think ahead, make decisions, be patient and accept the outcome of your decisions. Those are skills our young people can carry with them beyond the game.

“Students will develop critical thinking, problem-solving and decision-making skills, while also learning patience, discipline and good sportsmanship. It also gives them an opportunity to socialise, build friendships and participate in healthy competition,” the Custos explained.

Backgammon is a two-player board game played with counters and dice on table boards.

Among the institutions in St Ann where the clubs will be established are York Castle High, Ferncourt High, Walkerswood Academy, Browns Town High, Ocho Rios High, Steer Town Academy and Aabuthnott Gallimore High School.

Issa, who also happens to play backgammon, made it to the finals of the 6th annual International Jamaica Backgammon Tournament, which was held at Bamboo Blue in St Ann last weekend.