November 1, 2011

A free scholastic chess tournament for students in grades K-12 as well as adults will be held on Dec. 3 in the Sacandaga Elementary School cafeteria. The sessions are open to all area students and their families.

Matches will be held at 10 a.m., 11:10 a.m., 12:40 p.m. and 1:50 p.m. with awarded being given at 3 p.m.

Pre-registration is required at www.maketherightmove.org by November 30 or between 9:30 and 9:45 a.m. on the morning of the tournament.

Check out this flyer about the event, including the categories of competition (adult, king, queen, rook, knight bishop and pawn, based on a student's grade level).

Here is information about the tournament for parents. [MORE]

Here's a link to the Eastern NY Chess Association. [MORE]

Current grade 9 student Zach Calderon began a chess club at Sacandaga after school last year. There were 19 students last year; this year, there are 33 students. Here are photos and information about that. [MORE]\

Learn to Play Nights under way at elementary schools

Calderon and his family have been holding Learn to Play Chess nights at the other Scotia-Glenville schools. The nights are for all abilities and are very hands-on. At Glendaal's night, 17 students attended. Similar nights are being held at Lincoln on Tuesday, Nov. 8, from 7-8 p.m. and at Glen-Worden on Tuesday, Nov. 15, from 7-8 p.m.

At each of the nights, the Calderons are trying to spark interest in chess. "We are encouraging the kids and parents to try out the tournament in December as well," said Michele Calderon, Zach's mother.