Texas Tech University and SPICE officially launched the UIL Chess Puzzle Solving Statewide Pilot in the state of Texas earlier today at Wester Elementary School in Lubbock, Texas. UIL is the largest interschool organization of its kind in the world!
More than 300 students, teachers, parents, administrators, and various media, etc. were on hand for the launching of this historic competition.
This will potentially provide excellent opportunities for millions of chess playing students in the entire state of Texas to compete and earn scholarships for years to come. This is the first time that Chess has been accepted as an UIL Competition in its 101 year history!
“The seeds of the UIL were planted in 1904, when Dr. S.E. Mezes, president of UT, decided the state’s foremost university needed to be of service to the entire state…. Since 1910, the records and achievements of state high school participants have justified the decision of the University to support this program of public school service. The UIL has grown into the largest interschool organization of its kind in the world, and is the envy of similar groups nationwide. The UIL exists to provide educational extracurricular academic, athletic, and music contests. So successful is the program that one of every two high school seniors has participated in a UIL event prior to graduation. The initials “UIL” have come to represent quality educational competition, administered by school people on an amateur and equitable basis.” (Official UIL Info)
This is mega news. I wish other states will follow the lead of Texas.
They will…