Chess player seeks support ahead of worlds

A retired doctor based in Brandon is seeking financial support from the community as he prepares to represent Canada at an international chess championship in Spain next month.

Gilbert Perez will compete at the 25th International Physically Disabled Chess Association’s World Individual Chess Championship in Torrevieja, Spain, from June 1-13.

“I am now preparing for the tournament by participating in some tournaments here in Winnipeg, and also studying and problem-solving,” he told the Sun on Sunday.

While his airfare has already been covered through support from family, friends and former classmates living internationally, Perez said he is still looking for help to cover accommodation and registration costs.

He estimated those remaining expenses at roughly $2,000 to $2,500.

“There’s little support coming from the community,” he said. “My support is outside — my sister, my auntie, my daughter, of course, and some classmates in med school and high school.”

Perez said representing Canada on the international stage is a major honour.

“I’m representing Canada and bringing the flag of our country.”

Beyond the June tournament, Perez said a strong performance in Spain could open another opportunity later this year.

He said IPCA officials have indicated he could be considered for a disabled chess Olympiad in September if he performs well at the championship.

“If I play well, they may include me in the Olympics by this September,” Perez said.

Perez added Canada may not participate fully in the event because of a shortage of players, particularly female competitors, but he hopes to help carry the name of the organization that supports him in the competition.

“I just pray for the support of organizations in Brandon,” he said.

Perez, who serves as a director with the Manitoba Chess Association, is also a director with the Brandon Knights Chess Club. He has been playing chess since he was 10 years old.

This will mark the third time he has represented Canada at an international event for players with disabilities. In 2020, he competed online in a global tournament that featured 245 participants, finishing around 60th place. He also represented Canada in another online event in 2021.

But unlike those competitions, the 2026 championship in Spain will be played in person.

Perez is also offering sponsorship visibility for companies willing to support him, including wearing branded shirts or logos during the tournament to promote local businesses internationally.

“I will take their names along,” he said.

Anyone interested in supporting Perez can reach him by email at bongperez_1118@yahoo.com or by phone at 204-441-0725.

For Perez, the journey to Spain represents more than personal achievement — it is a chance “to raise Manitoba’s profile in the global chess community” while championing inclusivity in the game he has loved for decades.

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