Why This Was Not Just Another Chess Tournament

Naamat High School and College, Rishon LeZion, February 4, 2026

This was the fifth time the Open Chess Tournament was held at Naamat, but for the first time it took place in memory of Staff Sergeant Shay Michaeli. Shay, an Israeli hero, fell in the Iron Swords War on April 4, 2024, at the age of only 19 and a half. Chess was part of his journey, and values were an inseparable part of who he was.

The chess tournament was held as part of a natural connection between educational, athletic, and values based activity. The 'In Shay's Light' initiative and the ShaySport platform were created with a shared goal of promoting sports and values as part of an ongoing educational process. This activity was integrated into the Hive Program operated at Naamat High School and College, a program that fosters initiative, personal responsibility, social involvement, and the development of a strong values based identity. Integrating the tournament within this framework reflects an educational approach that views sports and thinking games as meaningful tools for personal development, decision making, and ethical conduct, as an integral part of the institution’s educational programs.

More about Shay, his journey, and his values:

In Shay's Light https://shaymichaeli.co.il

An Opening with Meaning

The tournament was opened by Gilad Eshel, Principal of Naamat High School and College, who not only offered his welcome but also participated in the tournament as a player.

He was followed by Orli Michaeli, Shay’s mother, who spoke about the connection between chess, personal conduct, and values, and about how a board game can help shape character.

In her remarks, Orli emphasized how chess and the values embedded within it played a significant role in shaping Shay’s personality. She described chess as a space that teaches forward thinking, decision making, responsibility for outcomes, respect for one’s opponent, and quiet perseverance in the face of challenges. These values, she noted, are not limited to the chessboard but accompany each person throughout life and form an important foundation for meaningful values based education.

Not Just a Game. Values as Well.

Yoram Michaeli, Shay's father, presented the Shay-Ranking, an innovative system for recognizing values based excellence, which was implemented alongside the tournament. In this competition, special emphasis was placed on the value of respect and proper conduct. The implementation was carried out using the ShaySport platform, a digital system that enables the management of competitions, the operation of judges, real time data collection, and the integration of values as an integral part of the event.

Tal Horesh, tournament organizer and candidate for International Master, explained the rules and ensured that every participant clearly understood how the competition would be conducted.

The Games Themselves

Fifteen players, four rounds, twenty minutes per game. A calm atmosphere, a high level of play, and a great deal of mutual respect. Even without an official rating, it was clear that values were no less important here than victories.

Chess Results

The winner of the chess tournament was Liam Arbib.

Shay-Ranking. In Practice.

The Shay-Ranking was implemented here for the first time in a chess competition, but it was designed from the outset for broad use in schools, sports clubs, youth events, and competitions. During the tournament, ranking judges awarded Green Cards using a simple digital system. At the conclusion of the event, a short one minute vote was held, transparent and fully documented.

The Shay-Ranking winner was Boaz Eshel, with three Green Cards and two votes.

Closing. And Continuing the Journey.

On behalf of the Michaeli family, we thank the staff of Naamat High School and College, Guy Hamui for professional and moving documentation, Tal Horesh for leading the tournament, and everyone who took part in organizing and producing this meaningful event. This was one event, but it demonstrates how sports, education, and values can be meaningfully connected within a clear educational framework, as part of an ongoing process aimed at developing individuals, community, and personal path.