On May 22, PS 77/The Lower Lab School, located in Manhattan, hosted the penultimate NYChessKids Chess Tournament of the 2010-11 school year. With nearly 200 student players in attendance, it was a big success, even more so since it was a well-attended benefit tournament to support New York City’s public schools.
This was the second benefit tournament of the school year sponsored by NYChessKids, and both events supported special education initiatives in New York City’s public schools through The Fund for Public Schools. Sunday’s tournament kicked off with NYChessKids founder Saudin Robovic presenting an NYC Department of Education representative with a donation for $1,500, which will provide critical assistance to students with special needs.
Play consisted of both school teams and individuals competing against one another, and while the players took their games seriously, the tournament was marked by a feeling of good sportsmanship amongst all who participated. Many of the student attendees explained that they enjoy playing chess because it combines a fun activity with important learning experiences. For example, several players noted that chess has taught them valuable skills that are useful in many areas of their lives, including strategic thinking, patience, focus, determination, and respect for others. In particular, the ups and downs of winning and losing in tournament play have helped them learn firsthand the importance of perseverance in achieving your goals.
The event was the first competitive tournament for a number of students, schools, and coaches – and will likely be just one of many as they became hooked on the challenge and intellectual rigor of tournament play. The last tournament of the school year will be June 5th at PS 116. To learn more about different chess tournaments and summer camps available through NYChessKids, click here.