Send the Chess Queens to Nationals
Support the Esperanza Academy Chess “Queens” as they make their way to Nationals in Ohio!
Yesterday, the girls of the Esperanza Chess Team took home the third-place school trophy at The 15th Annual All-Girls National Chess Championships in Chicago making them the 3rd STRONGEST FEMALE CHESS TEAM in the NATION!
#girlpower #chessqueens #ontonationals
The girls arrived back at Esperanza Academy this morning with trophy and medals in hand—symbols not only of their skill but also their #persistence. These CHAMPIONS strive each day to overcome whatever obstacle stands in their way.
Most students never experience victory on such a big stage—for Esperanza students these victories represent more than chess trophies. Chess is so much more than a game. It is a way of life—a way of dedicating time, focus, and energy to mastering skill and strategy—a way to overcome.
The students at Esperanza Academy come from a predominantly low-income, yet vibrant Latino neighborhood in Hunting Park, North Philadelphia. Our students simply do not have the means to contribute to the costs of attending multiple out-of-state tournaments—but this setback shouldn't prevent them from competing!
The Esperanza Chess Queens, along with the rest of the team, are going to NATIONALS in Columbus, Ohio this weekend! This is why we NEED your generosity NOW! You can help send the amazing Esperanza Chess Team to the U.S. Chess Federation's 2018 National High School Championship. You can help keep their dreams alive.
Will you make a $25 contribution to help defray their travel costs?
$25 can buy one day's worth of meals
$50 can cover one student's entry fee to Nationals
$75 can pay for bus transportation for two students
$100 can contribute to housing costs for one night of accommodations in Columbus
Chess has changed our students' lives. Playing chess been proven to increase standardized test scores in math and reading, as well as provided a tight knit group of reliable friends, confidantes—a little bit of stability in an otherwise chaotic neighborhood. As the team settles into a busy week at school, they are simultaneously preparing to leave for Columbus bright and early Thursday morning.
Going to Nationals is a huge commitment for our students. To cut down on costs, the team purchases food at a local supermarket ahead of time for daily meals and strategizes to keep all spending as low as possible.
We already know our students are amazing and willing to do anything for their team.
Can we count on you to support the team today with a gift to the Esperanza Academy Chess Team?
Let’s send our incredible students to Nationals with nothing to worry about except the game of chess.
