Media Release: BRSD Receives Go Game Donation
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BRSD Receives Go Game Donation
Battle River School Division (BRSD) is excited to share that Go and Tea, a local Camrose business, has donated 20 Go board games from Canadian Go Association for its schools on Aug. 22, 2024.
While visiting Go and Tea, Assistant Superintendent - Education Services, Stephen Hoyland enjoyed the opportunity to experience a demonstration and practice the game of Go at Go and Tea’s welcoming atmosphere in downtown Camrose.
During the 2024-25 school year, BRSD students will be introduced to this game that offers the opportunity to build skills in numeracy, decision-making and relationship building. It is a game of hand communication that sharpens the mind.
Rhae-Ann Holoien, superintendent of schools, is impressed by the abundance of skills that Go players can improve by practicing the game.
“There are many ways to engage in learning with Go,” said Holoien. “It is a game of strategy and a fun way for students to learn about culture, inclusion, math and counting, strategy, and relationship-building.
Go and Tea, located on Camrose Main Street, offers a welcoming social space to engage in the strategic game of Go and the relaxing tradition of tea drinking. The business does not only invite seasoned players to the challenge, but also encourages newcomers.
Go and Tea teacher, Sarah Yu is an experienced Go game player with six years of training. She participated in international events held in China and France and took home a bronze medal from the France World Mind Sports Games in 2012. Read more about Yu’s experience in this article published by the Camrose Booster in January 2024.
Rather than compete these days, she is passionate about teaching the game to future players and has connected with BRSD to express interest in teaching Go to students.
“It is fulfilling to share this opportunity to learn with new players and students,” said Yu. “I am available to teach in our space. We are open until five on weekdays, and I hope that students or staff will be able to spend some of their time here after school hours.”
During a Go match, opposing players aim to gain territory of the square board areas or zones by capturing stones. Player moves are labeled or referred to as eat, fight and capture.
Yu highlighted the main component and strategy of the game.
“The objective is to gain territory,” said Yu. “The game has many other aspects such as capture, contact fighting and bringing harmonies of the stones to the whole board.”
BRSD is thankful to Go and Tea and the Canadian Go Association for the thoughtful and generous donation and is excited for students to begin engaging in the game of Go. BRSD is eager to receive student feedback about this fun learning opportunity throughout the 2024-25 school year.