Checkmate: Rainbow students take part in elementary chess tournaments

Students in Rainbow Schools are preparing diligently for two board-wide chess tournaments. R.L. Beattie Public School will host the first tournament on Thursday, May 9, 2019 at the Royal Canadian Legion. A second tournament will take place at Princess Anne Public School on Thursday, May 16, 2019.

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, self-confidence and teamwork.

“A chess tournament is a great way to motivate and challenge students in a fun and creative way,” says Rainbow District School Board Director of Education Norm Blaseg. “I commend and thank staff for giving students opportunities to come together to engage in the game. It’s a tremendous learning experience with a spirit of friendly checkmate competition.”

The concept for a board-wide chess tournament began in 2017 when the librarian at Princess Anne Public School decided to organize a chess club at the school. “There is a keen interest in the game,” says Fiona Ferguson. “To date, we have upwards of 35 students participating weekly, and we recently introduced a club for students in Grades 1 to 3.”

She adds: “Students who are new to the school are especially thrilled to learn about the chess clubs. It’s the perfect way for students to develop friendships with like-minded peers.”

R.L. Beattie Public School will welcome 125 students from Grades 1 to 8 for a tournament, drawing participants from Alexander Public School, Algonquin Road Public School, Carl A. Nesbitt Public School, Churchill Public School, Larchwood Public School, Lo-Ellen Park Secondary School, Markstay Public School and Princess Anne Public School.

A week later, 145 students in Grades 1 to 8 from 14 Rainbow Schools will gather for a tournament in the Princess Anne Public School gym, including Alexander Public School, Algonquin Road Public School, Carl A. Nesbitt Public School, Chelmsford Valley District Composite School, Churchill Public School, Copper Cliff Public School, Confederation Secondary School, Ernie Checkeris Public School, Lansdowne Public School, MacLeod Public School, Markstay Public School, Princess Anne Public School, R.L. Beattie Public School and Valley View Public School.

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Media contact:

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