Sharing a wealth of knowledge

Local chess king shares his wealth of knowledge
July 22, 2009 – by Allyson Snelling

A man who achieved a number of successes playing chess internationally is hoping literature on the strategic board game will benefit eager chess players across Muskoka.

Last Friday, Gravenhurst resident Ross Siemms donated a collection of more than 60 chess books to the Gravenhurst Public Library. The books will be distributed to libraries across Muskoka including those in Bracebridge, Port Carling and Huntsville.

“I hope that these books will be used by students, teachers and all chess players, whether new or advanced, to help them understand, improve and enjoy the game of chess,” he said.

Siemms started playing chess when he was seven years old. He entered his first competitive tournament at the age of nine. He competed in his first North American tournament at 11 and became the under-15 junior champion in 1947.

In 1953, he was named Canada’s representative to the world junior championship in Copenhagen, Denmark and in 1954, he became the U.S. and Canadian junior chess champion.

He also was a member of the national team that attended the World Chess Olympics in Munich, Germany in 1957.

Here is the full article.