Chess in the Windy City
Donation protected
It is easier to build strong children, than to repair broken men (and women).
~Frederick Douglas
Here’s an incredible story of how some children from a small hurricane-stricken island are proving that with hard work and dedication there are truly no limits to their success. After a life-changing trip to Winston-Salem, North Carolina in 2016, the Global Chess Team out of Freeport, Grand Bahama Island took it up a notch, and in 2017 traveled to New York City, to play in their first competitive chess tournament. NYC is known for producing some of the best chess players in the world, and on July 9th, 2017 at the Tri-State Chess Championship our team competed against nearly 200 players in attendance at the tournament.
“We wanted to bring these young chess players to NYC to be challenged and explore the city, says Mr. Shawn Sorsby, Math Teacher and Chess Coach at Bishop Michael Eldon, but not only did they meet, they exceeded our expectations.” The Bishop Michael Eldon (BMES) PAWNSTORMERS were victorious with not one, not two, but three individual trophies and two 2nd plagofunce team trophies, with one player going undefeated earning a perfect 4-0 score and a 1st place trophy!
-The Freeport News, July 27th, 2017
Well we are excited about another opportunity to not only play chess, but also create life-changing experiences as this game of the minds takes us around the world. This school year, we are partnering with CHESS-ED out of the Chicago Land Area. That's right, after going to New York City our next stop is the Windy City, Chicago, Illinois! CHESS-ED is the premier provider of chess enrichment classes in schools and the sponsor of KUMBAYA tournaments, workshops and summer camps. They teach skills that last a lifetime: focus, patience and problem solving.
The tournament will be held at Niles North High School on Sunday, July 29th, 2018. In Chicago, however, 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 best big cities on Earth.
As parents, educators and mentors we know the impact a trip like this can have on a child. Unfortunately, all of our players are not able to guarantee assistance from family members and friends. Participation for each student costs nearly $1,000 and includes meals, tournament registration, annual United States Chess Federation Membership Fees, travel expenses, and lodging. Although we plan to raise the majority of the funds needed on our own, we still need your help and you can make a huge impact with a contribution. If you've donated before, please know that we are immensely grateful and we’re asking that you consider supporting our chess program once more! Below is an outline of how your contribution will support our players:
Contribution of Will Help Support
$25 Meals and beverages for one day
$35 Custom Team Jersey Polo
$50 Tournament Registration
$100 Tournament Registration plus
one night lodging for one student
$250 Lodging for 5 Nights for one student
$500 International Airfare
To hear our students talk more about their experience in New York City and how chess has benefited them in school and in life, check out their comments and links to both a ZNS television interview and Freeport News Article featuring the team below:
William Moss, who is a ninth grader at the school talked about how chess has benefited him ever since he started playing.
“Chess helps me to think slowly and wisely because in chess you have to make the best move and must stay calm even when you are in tough situations.”
Seventh grader, Travis Forbes voiced, “It was fun and exhilarating at the competition to play four different opponents from different places and to think hard about what I would do when they moved.”
Twelfth grader, Patrick Boston chimed, “While I did enjoy the game I played in Central Park, what made it special for me was the sight of how close knit and brotherly the community of fellows there was. I really enjoy knowing that the game of chess has potential to bring together so many people through good spirited competition and fun.”
Freeport News - Full Article
ZNS Television Interview – Post NYC Competition
Chess State of Mind – Chess Team Explores NYC
Instagram Post - Advanced Group
Instagram Post - Novice Group
Thank you for your continued support!
-Coach Sorsby
~Frederick Douglas
Here’s an incredible story of how some children from a small hurricane-stricken island are proving that with hard work and dedication there are truly no limits to their success. After a life-changing trip to Winston-Salem, North Carolina in 2016, the Global Chess Team out of Freeport, Grand Bahama Island took it up a notch, and in 2017 traveled to New York City, to play in their first competitive chess tournament. NYC is known for producing some of the best chess players in the world, and on July 9th, 2017 at the Tri-State Chess Championship our team competed against nearly 200 players in attendance at the tournament.
“We wanted to bring these young chess players to NYC to be challenged and explore the city, says Mr. Shawn Sorsby, Math Teacher and Chess Coach at Bishop Michael Eldon, but not only did they meet, they exceeded our expectations.” The Bishop Michael Eldon (BMES) PAWNSTORMERS were victorious with not one, not two, but three individual trophies and two 2nd plagofunce team trophies, with one player going undefeated earning a perfect 4-0 score and a 1st place trophy!
-The Freeport News, July 27th, 2017
Well we are excited about another opportunity to not only play chess, but also create life-changing experiences as this game of the minds takes us around the world. This school year, we are partnering with CHESS-ED out of the Chicago Land Area. That's right, after going to New York City our next stop is the Windy City, Chicago, Illinois! CHESS-ED is the premier provider of chess enrichment classes in schools and the sponsor of KUMBAYA tournaments, workshops and summer camps. They teach skills that last a lifetime: focus, patience and problem solving.
The tournament will be held at Niles North High School on Sunday, July 29th, 2018. In Chicago, however, 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 best big cities on Earth.
As parents, educators and mentors we know the impact a trip like this can have on a child. Unfortunately, all of our players are not able to guarantee assistance from family members and friends. Participation for each student costs nearly $1,000 and includes meals, tournament registration, annual United States Chess Federation Membership Fees, travel expenses, and lodging. Although we plan to raise the majority of the funds needed on our own, we still need your help and you can make a huge impact with a contribution. If you've donated before, please know that we are immensely grateful and we’re asking that you consider supporting our chess program once more! Below is an outline of how your contribution will support our players:
Contribution of Will Help Support
$25 Meals and beverages for one day
$35 Custom Team Jersey Polo
$50 Tournament Registration
$100 Tournament Registration plus
one night lodging for one student
$250 Lodging for 5 Nights for one student
$500 International Airfare
To hear our students talk more about their experience in New York City and how chess has benefited them in school and in life, check out their comments and links to both a ZNS television interview and Freeport News Article featuring the team below:
William Moss, who is a ninth grader at the school talked about how chess has benefited him ever since he started playing.
“Chess helps me to think slowly and wisely because in chess you have to make the best move and must stay calm even when you are in tough situations.”
Seventh grader, Travis Forbes voiced, “It was fun and exhilarating at the competition to play four different opponents from different places and to think hard about what I would do when they moved.”
Twelfth grader, Patrick Boston chimed, “While I did enjoy the game I played in Central Park, what made it special for me was the sight of how close knit and brotherly the community of fellows there was. I really enjoy knowing that the game of chess has potential to bring together so many people through good spirited competition and fun.”
Freeport News - Full Article
ZNS Television Interview – Post NYC Competition
Chess State of Mind – Chess Team Explores NYC
Instagram Post - Advanced Group
Instagram Post - Novice Group
Thank you for your continued support!
-Coach Sorsby
Organizer
A Step Ahead Chess
Organizer
Hazel Crest, IL
