“Brain challenging, skill raising opportunity”

Artwork by Mike Magnan

Students encouraged to check out chess tournament
By Wade Paterson – Kelowna Capital News
Published: February 24, 2012 3:00 PM
Updated: February 24, 2012 3:25 PM

The game of chess can take a lifetime to master; an upcoming School District 23 chess tournament will help young people get an early start.

At 9 a.m. on March 3, students from kindergarten to Grade 12 are invited to attend the tournament at Mount Boucherie, which tournament director Chris Laurie said is a “brain challenging, skill raising opportunity.”

Trophies and medals will be awarded to finalists from each grade; however, those who aren’t the next Bobby Fischer are still encouraged to come out and have some fun while learning the ins and outs of the game.

“Kids who are still learning the game are very welcome. As they proceed through the tournament, we try to pair them up with people of equal ability,” said Laurie.

“It’s (most) important that they have fun and get to know some new friends.”

Laurie, who is the regional coordinator for B.C. Junior Chess, mentioned that there will also be consolation prizes for those who don’t hit a winning streak at the event.

The tournament has gone on for a number of years in Kelowna, but Laurie noted that this year they decided to open it up for kids from Vernon to Penticton.

“We’re trying to build a chess community of kids who sit down and play with one another.”

Students who do well at the tournament may also qualify to go to the B.C. K-12 Chess Challenge, which will be held in Victoria this April.

Laurie said that events like this are a good way for students to challenge themselves and improve their skills at one of the world’s most strategic games.

“Sometimes kids gravitate towards sports that they are good at (because) there are a lot of things to learn in chess.

“I tell them, ‘I’m really good against 12-year-olds, but I’m not getting any better at chess.’ They giggle and say ‘That’s because you’re only playing 12-year-olds, Mr. Laurie—you’ve got to play people your own age.’

“That’s what I try to install in the kids: It’s good for them to seek out better players and take on a bigger challenge. That’s the spirit of the tournament.”

Laurie said in the past there have been 30 or 40 young people who have showed up for the tournament; however, with a wider invitation sent out, he’s hoping to see at least 50 this year.

Registration for the tournament costs $20. Those who are interested in registering, or those who have further questions about the event, can contact Chris Laurie at 250-765-8900.