Help the Villa de Leyva Library Chess Club Compete Internationally

Five years ago, while walking through Villa de Leyva—a small town in Colombia—my mother and I discovered a public library that had become a safe haven for children and teenagers from nearby farms. Most of these children live with limited resources and treasure even the smallest joys. Moved by what I saw, I donated my toy soldiers, board games, and Legos so the kids could have something to play with. That simple act began my ongoing connection with the library.

Inside this library, the children find relief from daily hardships, receive tutoring, and, most importantly, discover the joy of playing chess.

In 2024, the Library Chess Club was founded to give these young people the chance to build lasting friendships, strengthen their skills, and form a true community. In just one year, despite playing on borrowed boards older than themselves and struggling to afford bus fare to tournaments, their passion, talent, and the dedication of their coach carried them all the way to the state championship—where they proudly won the title.

This year, their determination took them even further: they earned a place at the South American Youth Chess Festival. But with this incredible achievement come new challenges. Their town has generously sponsored their airfare, and through local fundraising efforts they are working to cover the costs of uniforms, accommodation, and meals.

I am launching this GoFundMe to help them pursue their dream. Every contribution will go directly toward covering their meals and lodging during the competition. By supporting these remarkable children, you are not only helping them compete—you are investing in their future, their resilience, and their belief that with passion and opportunity, anything is possible.