Children go for jigsaw puzzles

Solving jigsaw puzzle is a never-ending game. It starts from childhood as a game and continues throughout one's life in the form of solving critical problems, be it financial, emotional or social.

In fact, some children are trying now to develop their jigsaw puzzle solving skills at BurJuman Centre.

"Everyday, about 60 to 70 children take part in the event and try to fix the puzzle by moving the small wooden bricks and positioning to get the clear picture," said Tarik Al Jassimi, coordinator of the event.

Jassimi said there are three sets with the same picture. Each set is organised by a team of two children. "So, we have six children taking part at any given time. The winning team walks away with prizes, while others get a smaller version of the puzzle as a consolation prize."

Each team, added Jassimi, takes about half an hour to solve the puzzle. "Most of them manage to solve it. But it is the speed that matters the most and the fastest duo wins each competition."

Meanwhile, children, especially those between 8 to 10 years of age, were very much enjoying the event.

Kavitha M., a fifth-grader from Dubai, said: "I love puzzles and regularly solve different puzzles at home. This is for the first time I am openly participating in an event like this and I enjoyed every bit of it. It requires brain and patience and I have learnt not to lose my cool."

Rafiq Hassan, 9, an Egyptian boy said: "It was an easy game. All I had to do is to focus on the picture and match the pieces. It took my team less than 15 minutes to complete. I enjoyed the game very much and I wish there were more puzzles competition."

The entry to the competition is for free and no prior registration is required.