Global Chess in New York City

"It's easier to build strong children than to repair broken men." -Frederick Douglas

This has been a mission for the Global Chess Team out of Freeport, Grand Bahama Island, and after a successful trip to Winston-Salem, North Carolina in 2016, we are excited about another opportunity to not only play chess, but create life changing experiences as this game of the minds takes us around the world.

Well this year, we are traveling to New York City to compete in the Tri - State Chess Tournament Championship! We extrmeley excited about this opportunity and will be departing Freeport, Grand Bahama on Thursday, July 6th, 2017 and returnng on Monday, July 10th.

In New York City we will not only participate in a chess tournament, but our students will also go on tours of colleges and museums as they explore one of most fascinating cities on Earth.

As parents, educators and mentors we know the impact a trip like this can have on a child. This is made evident in how students reflected on the experience they had in North Carolina last year:

"When I went on the trip, I was really nervous and scared that I was going to lose. I expected the person I played to whoop me, but after I got my first victory, I gained a confidence that I didn't know I had."

-Aasha Gibson, Grade 8

"I am constantly amazed by the infinite number of moves that can be made in the game and the life lessons that can be learned through chess. When I lost the first round I was disappointed, however, it motivated me to do better and as a result I was able to get a draw on my next game and then win my final game by resignation."

-Dangle Martin, Grade 12

"I learned not to underestimate myself and that anything is possible. Everyone has potential."

-Terray Rolle, Grade 8

"During the trip I was exposed to a winter world of both chess, observing the state championship, as well as education with the tours of Atkins and WSSU. It was a wonderful experience and I can't wait for the next trip."

-Patrick Boston, Grade 11

Well that next trip is here, and this is where we need your help.  Almost all of our students were negatively impacted by Hurricane Matthew in October of 2016, and are unable to guarantee assistance from family members, their parent’s coworkers and friends. While the team has raised nearly $1,000 through a lot of hard work, we still need your support. We hope this financial burden does not limit these young people's potential to create new possibilities.

If you've donated before, please know that we are grateful and are asking that you consider helping our team once more! Below is an outline of how your contribution will support one of our students:

Your Contribution of               Will Help Support
$25                                                       Meals and beverages for 1 day
$50                                                       Tournament registration
$100                                                    Tournament registration plus 1 night lodging
$200                                                    Lodging for 4 nights
$500                                                    International airfare

To hear students talk about their experience on last year's North Carolina trip, don't forget to check out the ZNS television interview in the video above.

Please share and thank you in advance for your continued suport!