[PHOTOS & VIDEO] Our First-Ever
Youth Chess Day

Dear Fellow Vermonter,

On Saturday, April 1, I saw something pretty remarkable: 130 young Vermonters from every county across our state coming together to learn and play the game of chess at our first-ever “Youth Chess Day.” I saw elementary and middle school students try out the game for the first time during our Learn to Play Session and more experienced players from 1st to 12th grade test their skills in our recreational tournament. I hope you'll take a moment to watch the video about the event and see photos from the day below.

Now you may be wondering: “Why organize a chess day for young Vermonters?” The answer is quite simple. We all want our kids to have strong and healthy bodies. Equally important, however, is the need to have strong and healthy minds. At a time when too many of our young people are struggling with social media, short attention spans, anxiety, and depression, we need more opportunities for young people to improve their concentration, focus, problem solving, and person-to-person connection – away from screens. And that’s what chess does. It is a game of dedication, strategy, and quick thinking, and many studies have shown it has significant benefits for brain development – from focus to spatial reasoning.

In short, I organized this Youth Chess Day so more young people can have the chance to get in on the fun of a game that teaches so many important intellectual skills and life lessons.

In putting this event together, I was overwhelmed by the response we had from young Vermonters, parents, and community members alike. I want to thank everyone who helped make this event possible including the UVM Chess Club, Burlington High School Chess Club teacher and chess advisor Michelle Sagalchik, and so many others for their support in organizing the day.

I look forward to not only making my “Youth Chess Day” an annual event, but also expanding chess opportunities across the state.

Sincerely,