Webster University is showing tremendous support for chess, especially chess in education, and they are proving it with the right moves.
Webster recently made a major splash in the global media by acquiring the world famous SPICE program, along with offering scholarships to the entire reigning National College Chess Championship and #1 ranked team in the nation. Over 500 newspapers, radio, and TV sources (Wall Street Journal, ESPN, FOX Sports, Sports Illustrated, NY Times, USA Today, NPR, etc.) covered this unprecedented move!
In addition to the current roster of GMs which include Georg Meier, Anatoly Bykhovsky, Andre Diamant, and Denes Boros, Webster also added some big name recruits such as GMs Wesley So, Ray Robson, Fidel Corrales Jimenez, and Manuel Leon Hoyos, etc.
When I brought up the topic of the Susan Polgar Foundation Girls’ Invitational, the most prestigious all-girls national event in the United States, Webster University President Dr. Beth Stroble immediately agreed to host and sponsor its 9th edition.
In addition to offering FREE room and board to ALL the participants right on campus, as well as over $100,000 in scholarships, and other chess prizes, Webster University will also provide all participants a bag of goodies (over $50 value)!
During the tournament, the players will be competing on the prestigious Loretto Hilton stage in grand style. All the young ladies will be in for a treat next week as they will be treated like Queens! I am very proud to be a part of this wonderful institution which deeply cares about the benefits that chess can bring to young people!
So you mean that Websters University doesn’t milk money from parents like the USCF and its politicians? Providing everything for the players for free? Interesting concept in America.
Bravo Webster! What a noble idea.
The daughter of a good friend is headed to this – sounds like a great time!
Go Webster! What a great example for other organizers.