The National Community Foundation will be hosting the Christmas Schools’ Chess Tournament on Monday, December 10, at the Finance Administrative Center in Pointe Seraphine, at 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

This year a total of 140 students, representing 25 schools from across the island, will compete in the tournament. The outpouring of interest in chess in schools has increased tremendously, therefore the tournament will be divided into two segments: primary school’s division and secondary school’s division. The primary schools will compete from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., and the secondary schools from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

The NCF has been developing a Chess in Schools program to promote the sport among primary and secondary school students. Chess has been proven to provide educational and social benefits for youth, including increased focus, self-confidence, critical thinking, and good sportsmanship.

The NCF is also heavily involved with establishing chess in communities, islandwide. Persons interested in learning how to play the game of chess or person who can already play the game but would like to simply hang out to play chess can contact the offices of the NCF at (758) 453-6661/452-4953/285-3740, to speak to the chess coordinators or visit their various locations as listed below.

Thursdays: Jam Rock Bar, Rodney Bay, 6 p.m.

Saturdays: Vieux-Fort Plaza, 2 p.m. onwards; Rituals, Rodney Bay, 5 p.m.

Established in 2002, the National Community Foundation (NCF) is a philanthropic, non-profit organization that functions primarily as a grant making institution. The NCF funds initiatives that engender self-empowerment and social mobility through assisting community needs in education, health, social services, arts and culture, community development, environment, and civic affairs.