More than playing chess

More than playing chess…

Saturday afternoons at the Rainier Beach Branch are a special time. Since February of 2007, Seattle Police Officer Cookie and the Seattle Police Foundation have sponsored an urban chess club for elementary and middle school kids and their parents.

Here are some comments from some Chess Club attendees:

• “It’s nice, safe and fun. It’s not boring. People should try it sometimes.” (boy, age 13)
• “The reason why I come is to learn how to play chess and learn more moves in chess. I like best when I get beat in chess, because I can learn more techniques to win.” (girl, age 11)
• “I love chess and I like the way the pieces move. My favorite piece is the king, because, even though he’s a slowpoke, he’s really fun, because that way, you can pretend you are really him.” (boy, age 9)
• “Chess club is fun because you get to interact with the people. You get to play and have a good time. This is my first time. I might come back.” (girl, age 10)
• “I want to have fun, AND get a prize!” (boy, age 10 ½)
• “I never won a chess game in my whole entire life, but it feels really good to play with another person, now I know how to win …” (girl, age 11)
• “I want to learn chess!” (boy, age 7)

Here’s what Officer Cookie shares about this experience:

“These kids are our kings and queens on and off the chess board. The kids and adults are showing up sometime as early as one hour ahead of time waiting for chess to start. They don’t want to leave when chess is over. Kids don’t always just want basketball or the usual sports. They love the sport of chess. I truly believe we need to ask our youth what type of activities they want in their community. When I asked, they stated they wanted chess. I truly believe if we make various activities such as chess available to our youth and at a location in their community that is safe, they will come. I encourage the youth to get a library card, check out books and read as often as they can. I thank the Rainier Beach library staff, community and the Seattle Police Foundation for their support of this program.”

Source: http://blog.seattlepi.com