Throwback Thursday: East Region Tournament

In honor of Throwback Thursday, let's take a look back at this years East Region Tournament! Held on March 15th 2014, at the North York Central Library, chess players of all ages showed up to compete. 

 Competitors participated in 4 rounds of chess, across three sections (Grade 3 and under, Grade 6 and under, and Open). The room was silent as the competitors focused intensely on their games. Advantages were gained and mistakes were made as everyone played for the prizes given to the top player in each section. For grade 3 and under, the top player got a Starbucks gift card and the other two sections got 2 for one movie ticket deals. The stakes have never been higher. They were not only playing for shiny medals, but also for free frappuccinos or a great movie ticket deal. 

During lunch, to take a break from the rounds and to refuel for the rounds to come, pizza was sold.The chess masters then returned to their rounds to finish off the tournament. At the end of the day, everyone gained valuable experience and a day well spent. However, special congratulations go out to the top players in each category for their outstanding performance!

 Grade 3 And Under

1. Derek Chen
2. Eric Wang
3. Sivan Xu

Grade 6 and Under
1. Maxwell Tong
2. Brian Chau
3. Nelson Lee

Open
1. Benjamin Lin
2. Cindy Qiao
3. Philip Tsang

Obviously, not everyone can get a prize or place in the top three. However, everyone who showed up gave it a shot and everyone deserves recognition for their amazing work. Thank you to all of our participants and volunteers for making the East Region Tournament such a success and a fun experience for everyone involved. We'll see you at the next Chess in the Library tournament!

Executive Highlight: Jessica Cao

Introducing Executive Highlights, a series of posts where we interview and really get to know the team that improves and keeps Chess in the Library running. First up is Jessica Cao, our Vice President!

What library do you volunteer for?

 North York Central Library.

How long have you played chess?

 3 years, on-and-off.

 How long have you volunteered for Chess in the Library?

2 years.

What do you do as the Vice President?

I attend executive meetings and help run events such as regional tournaments and the annual chess festival. I also manage Chess in the Library's social media outlets. It's a lot of fun!

What other things are you involved in?

I've won titles at international DECA competitions (although I officially ended my high school DECA career this year). I volunteer for Kids Help Phone as part of the National Youth Advisory Committee. I do a bit of scientific research on the side - it's a fun job! In my spare time, I also like to upload song parodies onto YouTube and play around with photography.

Is there anything you want to say to someone who is reading this interview?

Chess in ah-mazing. Even if you're not that great at it (like me), chess is still very helpful for your memory and thinking skills. Never give it up and remember to have fun! Nothing is ever as serious as it seems to be.

East Region Tournament

Exciting news for chess enthusiasts of all ages! The Chess in the Library East Region Tournament is coming soon! Our West Region Tournament was a day full of fun and competitive play and we're looking forward to making this event just as successful. The tournament will be rated under CMA and there are prizes to be won if you do well!  This is a great chance for anyone who loves playing chess to meet new people and sharpen their skills. We look forward to seeing you!

Sign up here! : http://tinyurl.com/CITLeastregion2014

Info:
North York Central (5120 Yonge Street, M2N 5N9)
March 15, 2014
11:30 am - 4pm

West Region Tournament

On Saturday November the 23rd, Humberwood Library was host to our West Region Tournament! 34 people participated in all, making for a really fun day.

Everyone's thinking hard!

For the first time, we sold pizza. The tasty and satisfying meal kept our participants energized for four rounds of intense chess. The tournament was split into 3 categories: Grade 3 and under, Grade 6 and under, and Open. It was rated under CMA, and the winners of each category were also awarded prizes. 

Congratulations to all of the winners!

Grade 3 and under 1 William Wayne Orr 2 Andrew Lin 3 Jorge Jorda

Grade 6 and under 1 Tawsif Kamal 2 Julia Rodrigues 3 Diana Lin

Open 1 Jagdev Kondal 2 Raymond Quan 3 Rupin Khadwal

Of course, participation is also important and with the practice and experience that all of the participants got, everyone's a winner! That's why we gave everyone who came a certificate of participation. Thanks to all who showed up, and we hope to see you again for future tournaments!

Happy New Year!

As 2014 swings into full gear, we'd like to thank you all for making this past year such a success.
To our participants, thank you so much for coming out to our various branches. It makes us really happy to see you enjoying the game of chess! At the end of the day, we do this all for you guys so we really appreciate your patronage.
To our sponsors and donors, thank you for providing the resources to make this all possible. Your donations help us expand and , as a nonprofit organization, you're a crucial part of our success.
Last but not least, thank you to our volunteers! You've donated your time and hard work over the past year to make our program enjoyable for everyone. Of course, as a growing organization we are constantly in need of more help! If you would like to join our team of volunteers and help us continue our success into 2014, please fill out the form below. http://www.chessinthelibrary.com/volunteer-application/

Once again, happy new year to everyone! May this year be even better than the last.

West Region Tournament!

Good news! Next Saturday is Chess in the Library's West Region Tournament. If you enjoy playing chess and want a chance to sharpen your skills, this is the event for you. There are several prizes waiting to be won! Plus, registration is free so definitely come check it out.  See you there!

Sign up: http://tinyurl.com/CITLWestRegion2013
Humberwood Library
850 Humberwood Blvd
416-394-5210
Sat. November 23
11am - 4pm.

New Branches

We are very excited to extend a warm welcome to the latest members of our Chess in the Library family! 

Juan de Fuca Branch 

Victoria, British Columbia

This program started on September 25th, 2013, and is held every Wednesday from 6:45-7:30pm. It is also our very first branch in British Columbia!

Albion Bolton Branch 

Caledon, Ontario

       

Our first branch in Caledon public library started on October 3rd, 2013, and the program runs every Thursdays from 6:45 - 8:00pm.

Cyril Clark, Chinguacousy, Mount Pleasant Village, and South Fletcher's Branches

Brampton, Ontario

Cyril Clark Library

Last but certainly not least, we have started four branches in Brampton! They started on October 5th, 2013.The Cyril Clark, Chinguacousy, and Mount Pleasant Village branches run every Saturday from 10:30 - 12, and the South Fletcher's branch runs from 3:00 pm to 5 pm.


All of the new branches have been a tremendous success so far, and we're really glad to see that our program is continuing to grow. Of course, we would be nothing if not for the hard work and dedication of our amazing volunteers, and we are currently in need of help! If you think you have what it takes to join the team, please take the time to fill out the application at http://www.chessinthelibrary.com/.