Chess lovers promote their passion to community

CHESS LOVERS PROMOTE THEIR PASSION TO COMMUNITY
BY ASHLEY HORSFORD

Arguments aplenty will take place courtesy of this month’s World Cup, but another pastime with the ability to create a quarrel or two is chess

For some, chess is a non-contact ‘sport’ of pure skill that combines tactical ability, foresight and brilliant mental guesswork. And it’s been described as the ultimate abstract wargame.

For others though, chess cannot possibly qualify as a sport – it’s just an elaborate board game.

DEFINITION

The Collins Dictionary describes chess as: “a game of skill for two players using a chess board on which chessmen are moved.”

What’s more, moving chessmen on a black and white board is a game that’s attracted the interest of diverse communities throughout the ages.

Chess is the world’s most popular board game and something that Newton Knights Junior Chess Club founder Sharon Nicholson sees as offering black kids a new opportunity and something different to strive for.

“The reason I decided to take up chess is because it is available for everybody and anybody, that is why I wanted to promote it in the black community. Chess is a game for all people and cuts across cultural boundaries,” added an impassioned Nicholson.

The club was launched in January 2006 for children at primary and secondary school level.

Starting from zero Nicholson has, with the aid of primary coach Russell James, developed a club with over 30 registered members.

But the road to setting up the club has not been a smooth one. Initially Nicholson wanted to address a lack of interest in the black community for the game, prompting her to ask: ‘what is wrong with us?’

RESISTANCE

But ‘what is wrong with us’ became ‘what is wrong with them’ as Nicholson came up against resistance in her drive to get schools to drum up interest in a chess club for its students.

Demonstrations, as well as basic instruction and information were offered but Nicholson was rebuffed at every turn.

“The local schools have been so negative. I rung up schools, and one said: ‘I don’t think our children would be interested.’

“If we are into the art of education,” Nicholson asked, “why are we not exposing children to some things?

Nicholson also acknowledges that growth of the scheme to its full potential will not happen without the support of the families and the wider community.

But despite the knockbacks, Nicholson believes that her scheme will be a success and has applied for funding to help it grow further.