(Photo: Ranae Bartlett, Madison City Chess League)
Alabama chess record turnout in Madison
By Michael Ciamarra
on November 30, 2014 at 7:35 AM, updated November 30, 2014 at 8:22 AM
The Queen’s Quest Chess Tournament attracted 157 students to compete in a five-round tournament on Nov. 22, at the Columbia Elementary School, in Madison. The Madison City Chess League sponsored and organized the K-12 scholastic chess event.
The record number of chess players was a result of the exemplary organizational activities and outreach to schools by the Madison City Chess League. Chess organizer, and Madison City Chess League director, Ranae Bartlett is very active promoting chess as an important educational tool. Bartlett and her team of volunteers and chess coaches have worked hard cultivating scholastic chess in north Alabama.
“Chess teaches analysis, logic and problem solving skills. Chess improves memory and concentration and teaches planning and foresight. Playing chess also teaches lessons such as perseverance and good sportsmanship,” says the Madison City Chess League’s website.
The Queen’s Quest Chess Tournament had the biggest turnout of K-12 players in Alabama this year. Preston Smith won first place in the Open Section. Gerald Larson was chief tournament director, with assistant tournament directors Joshua McClellan and Caesar Lawrence helping with individual sections of the event.
Prize winners
Open Section (K-12) and Jr. High Section (K-9): 1st Place – Preston Smith; 2nd Place – Michael Guthrie; 3rd Place – Caleb Werth; 4th Place – Elora Holland; 5th Place – David Appleberry; 6th Place – Sean Zullo Open Team Results: 1st Place – Discovery Middle; 2nd Place – Huntsville Middle; 3rd Place – Liberty Middle
For more information on the Madison City Chess League contact: Ranae Bartlett rbartlett@madisoncity.k12.al.us
Full article here: http://www.al.com/living/index.ssf/2014/11/post_194.html
Amazing.