FEATURE: Against All Odds: Cerebral Palsy patient from Pinukpuk excels in LUMIN-AWA Chess Tournament

Tabuk City, Kalinga – A fourteen-year-old chess prodigy from Pinukpuk showcased his talent at the Lumin-Awa Chess Tournament (LTC) held on February 7 at the Kalinga Children’s Ward Conference Hall in Bulanao, strengthening his bid to become Kalinga’s representative in the 2027 Cordillera Administrative Region Athletic Association (CARAA) meet.

Simon Dalapnas, a Grade 9 student of Pinukpuk Vocational School from Taga, Pinukpuk, lives with cerebral palsy—a lifelong neurological disorder that affects movement, muscle tone, and posture, caused by damage to or abnormal brain development before, during, or shortly after birth.

Despite not clinching a podium finish in the tournament, Simon left a strong impression on spectators and fellow players with his disciplined gameplay and strategic approach.

“Actually, isuna ti maysa nga arigen tayo nga prodigy,” Kalinga Chess Coach Ropherbal Anggaboy said in an interview, acknowledging Simon as one of the province’s most promising young players despite his condition.

The coach shared that in previous competitions, particularly during the Provincial Meet, emotional control had been a challenge for the young player.

However, he expressed confidence in Simon’s continued growth, noting that his improvements in both gameplay and composure could qualify him for the next CARAA meet.

“Sigurado nu next year, with more training ken matutukan ket isunan ti pambato tayo for Kalinga. Idi Provincial Meet gamin—isuna diay type nga haan na ma-control ti emotions na. Once nga medyo nadehado suna piman ket idiay nan nga haan makontrol ti rikna na. Diyay met ti maysa nga haan mi nga na-check nga usto kanyana. Ngem as we go, for sure ma-control na tu metlang—maadal na metlang ti sarili na nga emotions. Ngem mayat ti gaming style na—napigsa suna isunga maibaga mi nga mabalin talaga suna for CARAA,” he said.

The chess prodigy

Simon began playing chess at the age of seven while in Grade 2 and has since developed a deep passion for the sport.

“Kaykayat ko daytoy nga sport—awan sabali nga sport ko nu haan nga chess. Hanak naka-enter for CARAA ngem nu next manen nga provincial games ket kayat ko latta sumali,” he said in an interview.

During the Lumin-Awa tournament, Simon faced the same opponent who defeated him in the last Provincial Meet, giving coaches an opportunity to assess his progress and emotional maturity under pressure.

With continued training and support, Kalinga’s young chess standout may soon rise as one of the province’s strongest contenders for CARAA 2027.