The National Scholastic Chess Foundation annual ‘Grand Prix’ scholastic chess season begins this Sunday, Nov. 13 with a tournament at Greenwich Academy, 200 North Maple Ave. This school year will see 18 NSCF scholastic chess tournaments in Greenwich and in Westchester County. Events are open to all students (K-12).
“When we first moved to a Grand Prix format in 1999, we had no idea that 18 years later we would still be going strong” said NSCF Executive Director Sunil Weeramantry. “Over this time, we’ve had over 25,000 students play in our tournaments and many have gone on to enjoy great success in national and international competition. Even more important to us is the number who have gone on to great success in life. We often hear from them that their experiences in competitive chess helped them be better-prepared for challenges they faced in later life.”
Chess is a sport where everyone can compete on equal terms. The spoils do not only go to the biggest or strongest, or even to the one who speaks English. They go to the players who out-think their opponents. In addition to prizes for individual tournaments, NSCF Grand Prix awards recognize the students who persist over an entire season – not necessarily winning at every event, but overcoming the disappointments, learning from mistakes, and coming back to fight another day. The 2015-16 Grand Prix Award Winners will be recognized in a brief presentation at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 20 during the tournament at Greenwich Country Day School.
Registration for each tournament is $40 in advance or $50 on the day of the event. Group rates are also available with a $5 savings per child. Parents can register their child online by visiting nscfchess.events4chess.com.
About the National Scholastic Chess Foundation:
Founded in 1990 The National Scholastic Chess Foundation (NSCF) is a 501(c)3 non-profit educational organization that provides the benefits of a chess education to students of all ages. The primary focus of the NSCF’s programs is to develop critical thinkers. For over 25 years, the NSCF has worked with diverse populations in private and public schools, with children in gifted programs as well as those with special needs. The NSCF currently conducts classes in over 70 schools in Westchester County, N.Y. and Greenwich.
