Home Community Georgina Chess Academy’s Successful Gambit!

Georgina Chess Academy’s Successful Gambit!

November 5, 2024

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By Angie Sullivan

The Georgina Chess Academy tried its very first chess Tournament on Saturday, November 2, and some great strategy was on display.

Nineteen tacticians, aged seven to thirteen, battled it out at the Salvation Army Church in Jackson’s Point.

Alice Burrows, one of the organizers of the club, said, “We did it! The tournament went very well…and especially as it was our very first, so some of it we were feeling our way around.”

The players were separated into two divisions, with ten in the junior group and nine in the senior group. Congratulations to Willem Unger Alexander, aged nine, for winning the juniors and Daniel Iordanov, aged 12, who took the seniors!

John Burrows with Daniel Iordanov, Senior Winner

One of the mothers, Ashley Mutch, said, “Such a fun and fascinating event. It’s incredible watching their minds work. More exciting than some sports!”

Sandra Haba said, “A great chess club for kids! Teaching the game of chess, loving watching them apply their skills at a young age is pretty neat. Congrats to the staff and volunteers for hosting this awesome club!”

Routes helped this program come to life with a $1000 contribution through the Quick Action Grant program and York Region helped with a $4000 grant.

“We are very grateful to Routes Georgina and York Region for their grants, which makes this all possible. And it’s so much fun!”
Burrows said, “We are very pleased with how today went. Some kids are already asking when is the next tournament, which is nice to hear. We have tremendous support from our student and adult volunteers and of course, from the parents who bring their kids out every week.”

There is a waitlist to join these free chess classes, which are offered to youth, aged seven to 16, on Wednesdays from 7.00 p.m. to 9.00 p.m. at The Salvation Army Church at 1816 Metro Road. email: georginachessacademy@gmail.com to learn more or check out their Facebook Page.