SCSC: 2009 Chess Up For State

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SCSC 2009 CHESS UP FOR STATE TOURNAMENT

Students Say Yes to Chess!

Maneuvering through five rounds of chess was easier than the snowy drive to South Central Service Cooperative’s (SCSC) Chess Up for State tournament, Feb. 21 at Oak Crest Elementary School in Belle Plaine. Students from thirteen schools across the state joined the tournament including Becker, Belle Plaine, Chaska, Fairmont, Jordan, New Prague, Sibley East, Shakopee, Waseca and Waterville.

The United States Chess Federation (USCF) estimates there are at least 500,000 students nationwide in grades K-12 that are being taught some aspect of chess in school programs. South Central Service Cooperative encourages schools to teach chess and attend their fun and non-threatening scholastic tournaments. These events are an opportunity to improve analytical thinking skills while having fun competing with students from other districts. Numerous studies indicate that children who play chess regularly see improvements in reading and math scores. Chess teaches critical thinking and problem solving skills.

Players at Chess Up for State may have lost a match but moved their attention immediately to a good snack, making new friends or playing basketball in the gym before the start of another round. The friendly atmosphere and great parental support helped these chess lovers have a blast! Place winners included a first time tournament player and, for the first time in the history of an SCSC tournament, a female winner in the Elementary division.

Chess Up for State Tournament Results

Primary Division Medal Winners (grades K–3)