Checkmate: Rainbow students take part in elementary chess tournament

Students in Rainbow Schools are honing their skills for the 6th annual Elementary Chess Tournament on Thursday, April 16, 2026.

The full-day event will bring together more than 340 students from Grades 1 to 8 at the Caruso Club in Sudbury. Participants will play seven rounds each to compete for individual and school challenges.

Chess offers students many benefits, including the opportunity to build on analytical, strategic and concentration skills. Chess also improves self-regulation, patience, logic, creativity, memory and self-confidence.

“Chess is a wonderful way to challenge and motivate students,” says Director of Education Bruce Bourget. “It not only nurtures skills for learning, it also helps to foster a growth mindset which is important in all subjects.”

He adds: “We are grateful to Fiona Ferguson and school staff for their leadership in making this opportunity possible for our students. We look forward to a great day of competition.”

Students from 19 Rainbow Schools are participating in the event:  Alexander Public School, Algonquin Road Public School, Chelmsford Valley District Composite School, Churchill Public School, Copper Cliff Public School, Lansdowne Public School, Lasalle Elementary School, Lasalle Secondary School, Levack Public School, Lively District Secondary School, Lo-Ellen Park Secondary School, MacLeod Public School, Markstay Public School, Northeastern Elementary School, Princess Anne Public School, R.L. Beattie Public School, Redwood Acres Public School, Valley View Public School and Walden Public School.

Elementary Chess Tournament
Thursday, April 16, 2026
Agenda

*School challenges will continue during rounds 6 and 7, which will run concurrently with the quarter, semi and final matches.

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Media Contact:

Nicole Charette, Senior Advisor
Corporate Communications and Strategic Planning
Rainbow District School Board, 705-674-3171 ext. 7217