Chess is a big hit with kids

Discovery chess tournament is a big hit with area students
Wednesday, April 18, 2007

By PATRICIA MUNSON
For the Madison Spirit

Heritage, Discovery win their divisions at championship

About 100 participants, along with numerous parents, sponsors, coaches and teachers, crowded into the Discovery Middle School cafeteria on March 31 to participate in the 2007 Discovery Scholastic Chess Tournament.

Individual players and teams came from Madison and Huntsville schools and from around the region. With a shout of “Let’s play chess,” tournament director Gerald Larson (also known as Dr. Boomer for his strong voice) started the rush to the many chess boards set up at Discovery.

The scholastic participants ranged in grades from K-12, and ages 4 and up, and before the tournament started at 10 a.m., table after table of players practiced their games or just played for fun in the cafeteria while they waited.

“The kids set up boards and play all day when they’re not in a tournament game. They are enthusiastic, almost fanatics about chess,” Sheila Hadden said. Hadden and Emily Oliver are co-sponsors of the Discovery Chess Club.

“Scholastic chess is huge in North Alabama. The kids beg to play. They would stay here until they fall asleep,” Hadden said.

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