Kids use Strategy and Skill at Scholastic Chess Tourney
(COLORADO SPRINGS) — On Saturday, some of Southern Colorado’s youngest and brightest minds came together to compete at the “Fall Scholastic Chess Tournament.” It’s no secret that Chess can positively impact young minds, it boosts learning skills, increases social skills, and can even help with stress, anxiety, and much more.
“We’re going to start round one in about ten minutes, so if you want to make any last-minute noise now is your chance,” said the MC of the event.
Chess is a game that’s stood the test of time. A simple board painted with black and white boxes accompanied with thirty-two pieces—and it was the only thing many kids thought about this weekend.
“It’s like a strategical game that teaches you tactics and skill and a life lesson, and it gives you something to be interested in, apart from video games,” said Caleb Graham, a player in the tournament.
Over eighty boys and girls gathered in a room filled with desks and chess boards at Fountain Valley School on Saturday morning to compete.
“We’ve got north, south, east, and west… kids from all over the city,” said Rebecca Graham, a volunteer for the event.
But there’s more to the game than pawns, knights, and bishops; those are just a few of the pieces.
The game is known for its strategy and skill, but it offers far more. It teaches other essential skills and values that can shape a child’s character and cognitive abilities. The game helps children in planning, problem-solving, and making informed decisions.
“Instead of finding things like video games or watching movies together, they end up playing. Chess is one of the activities that they do, and it’s wonderful. It’s kind of for everybody,” said Rebecca Graham.
She says her kids have been playing the game for years, but she noticed a lack of community in Southern Colorado.
“A few years ago, when my children started playing chess, we realized that there weren’t as many opportunities for our kids in the Springs. So, we were driving up to Denver to play in a chess tournament and thought, you know, if you build it, they will come,” she said in an interview.
After reaching out to the community and schools, they have since doubled the number of youth participants around the city.
This weekend’s tournament is more than a competition for Kyle Luo, who has been playing for three years.
“Chess has taken over a large part of my life. I started learning it in, like, seventh grade. And I really got into it and connected with more and more people that have also played chess. And we all work together to slowly improve on the game,” he said.
He said that this was his tenth tournament, and despite how good he’s become he loved being able to play against a lot of his friends.
“Even some of the people here today I recognize, and there’s people from other tournaments I’ve seen before, and it’s been a pretty good time,” said Luo.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX21 News Colorado.
