Our Second-Annual Youth Chess Day
Dear Fellow Vermonter,
On Saturday, April 20, I saw something pretty remarkable: More than 130 young Vermonters from all corners of the state coming together to learn and play the game of chess at our second-annual 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 grades test their skills in our recreational tournament. I saw young people meet other kids from around Vermont who share their love of chess.
Now you may be wondering: “Why organize a chess day for young Vermonters?” The answer is quite simple. We all want our kids to exercise and play ball. 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, and anxiety, we need more opportunities for young people to improve their concentration, problem solving skills, 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 that it has significant benefits for brain development – from focus to spatial reasoning.
In short, I organized this Youth Chess Day so more young people could 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. To see photos from the event, continue reading below.
I want to thank everyone who helped make this event possible including chess advisors Michelle Sagalchik, Eric Hutchins, Hank Buermeyer, Hayden Collins and the UVM Chess Club, and Zoe Greenwald and the Middlebury College Chess Club.
Sincerely,
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