Knights and rookies: Chess was main attraction at Jersey City’s Hudson Mall today
Published: Saturday, March 26, 2011, 5:02 PM
Updated: Saturday, March 26, 2011, 8:29 PM
By Jean-Pierre Mestanza/The Jersey Journal
The Jersey Journal

What goes into teaching kids simple life-skills can be taught with knights, rooks, and pawns.

That’s the message that was on display during the 8th annual “Kings Knights Chess Club Challenge” at the Hudson Mall this afternoon where dozens of kids and their parents came out and grabbed a game.

“This game helps the kids concentrate and to plan ahead for their next move so it’s been really positive in my family,” said Divya Verma, 37, of Marin Boulevard. Her son, 10-year-old Arnav, was playing a young girl just two feet away and only looked up when his mother called his name.

Freeholder Bill O’Dea, a chess enthusiast, stopped by to catch a game and talk with parents also.

“Chess is a great game where young people can learn how to think critically and develop strategy which is important in life,” O’Dea said.

The Kings Knights Chess Club, Inc. has been operating as a non-profit organization since 2002, says founder and Executive Director Bobby Stewart. This is the eighth year in which Hudson Mall has provided space for the club.

“The real goal here is to pass on the knowledge and intellectual curiosity to the youth so they can make great choices later on in life,” said Stewart, who started the organization by volunteering his time at juvenile facilities and schools.

One of the programs that Stewart is proud of is called “Think B4 You Move” and involves Jersey City police officers teaching kids at six Housing Authority buildings once a week.

“That program does two things: it gives kids something positive to do and someone to look up to while also giving the police a chance to get to know the people,” Stewart said.

Full article here.

Chess Daily News from Susan Polgar
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