On 1 August 2018, in collaboration with the Child Centre – Gaza (CCG) / A. M. Qattan Foundation, TRIZ – Jerusalem Talents Centre for Innovation and Science organised the Palestine Rubik’s Cube Championship. Supervised by the Welfare Association – Taawon and funded by the Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development, the championship was part of the Developing School Sports at Jerusalem Schools project.
The first of its kind in mind sports in Palestine, the Palestine Rubik’s Cube Championship aimed to offer an opportunity to children to play mind games. These games develop the mind and intuition, enhance one’s subconscious mind and intelligence, and improve the spirit of challenge and competitiveness.
The Palestine Rubik’s Cube Championship brought together five players from Gaza and 120 others from the West Bank governorates, including Jerusalem. Players competed to solve the Rubik’s cube. The event was organised on the CCG premises via Skype with the Al-Quds University, Abu Dis.
Mohammed al-Shobaki, a Rubik’s cube coach, said: “This is a major championship. It is the first Rubik’s cube championship to be held in Palestine.” Al-Shobaki explained that, according to world record timing, solving the Rubik’s cube takes four seconds. Players are trained on this basis. The game contributes to developing children’s mental and physical skills, improves concentration, teaches patience, and helps to overcome difficulties.
Yazan al-Zari’i, 9 years old, expressed his feelings of pleasure and enthusiasm: “I had the honour to participate in the championship today. I wish to become a professional in solving the Rubik’s cube in the future.”
Mohammed al-Zari’i, 17 years old, won first place in Gaza. Yazan al-Zari’i took second place in Palestine.
The Rubik’s cube is a three dimensional mechanical puzzle invented in 1974 by Erno Rubik, a Hungarian architect. It was so popular that it has become an international game.