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New Rochelle Hosts Free Columbus Day Chess Event

NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y. – Mayor Noam Branson and Recreation Commissioner Bill Zimmerman will join chess players of all ages and skill levels as they play in Chess in the Park, from 1-5 p.m. Monday, Oct. 13, at Library Park.

National Scholastic Chess Foundation will host Chess in the Park in New Rochelle on Monday, Oct. 13.

National Scholastic Chess Foundation will host Chess in the Park in New Rochelle on Monday, Oct. 13.

Photo Credit: Contributed

The National Scholastic Chess Foundation and New Rochelle Parks and Recreation are hosting the event, which is celebrating 25 years of NSCF chess instruction and tournaments in Westchester schools. Those who participate will have the opportunity to play against an area chess master and learn chess techniques and strategies from NSCF instructors.

Attendees may also take part in open play, featuring the instructors and FIDE (World Chess Federation) master George Alexopoulos. He also runs a free chess program each week at New Rochelle Public Library.

Meanwhile, Westchester resident Joshua Colas, age 15, who is the youngest African-American to become a chess master, which he reached at age 11, will be featured in an exhibit. He is also a six-time national scholastic champion.

Introductions are being presented by national master Ricardo Perez, and the talks will be offered in English and Spanish. More advanced students can benefit from a lecture given by NSCF Executive Director Sunil Weeramantry, which will feature games played by some of the strongest former New Rochelle High School players.

More than 150 national scholastic individual and team champions have come from NSCF. Students who participate in the foundation can also benefit from the critical thinking and problem-solving skills they learn. Chess also helps improve concentration and self-discipline. All of these can lead to better test scores in several subjects.

“While we teach chess to children, the benefits of playing chess are for every age group,” Weeramantry said. “Chess is the only activity where an 8-year-old can play an 80-year-old and potentially be on equal footing. Chess in the Park is a fun event to let people know that there is a vibrant chess community in the New Rochelle area, and we hope to see players of all ages come out for the afternoon.”

Registration is not required, and the events are free to attend. For more information, visit the website at www.NSCFchess.org.

 

 

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